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Invisalign aligners offer patients a revolutionary way to straighten their teeth without the use of unsightly and bulky metal. Crafted to each person’s smile, they’re often more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. But what should you do if one of your aligners does not fit properly? Will you need to have them replaced? Not necessarily. Keep reading to discover three things you can do to fix the problem and when to see a dentist for help.
What Can Cause Invisalign to Not Fit Correctly?
When you first receive your new aligners, you should not expect them to fit perfectly into place. Since each tray is designed to shift your teeth more into alignment, there will be minor gaps that will fill in once your teeth begin to move.
However, trays that do not remain snug against your teeth can be a problem. This can happen for many reasons, including:
- You’re not wearing them for the recommended 20-22 hours each day. This is essential to ensure adequate movement over time.
- Your trays are damaged because of exposure to hot water. You should only use lukewarm water when cleaning or rinsing your aligners.
- You are wearing a new set. Unlike the other two reasons, this is not concerning. Instead, you can use chewies or other orthodontic products to help move them into place for a more comfortable fit.
How to Address Ill-Fitting Aligners
Before reaching out to your dentist for help, you can try one or more of the following methods to avoid a delay in treatment and help your aligners fit more comfortably:
- Use Invisalign chewies. These are small, soft cylinders that you can insert in your mouth and gently bite down on. They help remove all air bubbles and gaps so that your trays fit snugly and smoothly.
- Make sure you’re wearing your trays for the full 20-22 hours each day. You should only be removing them when eating or drinking anything other than water. You’ll also take them out to clean them.
- Try wearing your recent set if using chewies and wearing your trays for the appropriate amount of time doesn’t work. It may be that your teeth are not yet ready for the new trays. However, do not make this decision on your own. Instead, ask your dentist if this is the right option first.
If none of these methods seem to be working, get in touch with your dentist to determine what might be causing the problem. They will closely evaluate your smile and determine how best to move forward. If revisions or adjustments to your treatment are required, you can expect them to happen at this time.
No matter the outcome, you can trust that your dentist will do everything possible to help you achieve a straighter, healthier, and more perfectly aligned smile.
About the Author
Dr. Monica Mattson attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, earning her DDS. In 1995, she was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and completed a General Practice Residency in Dentistry at the Naval Hospital of Camp Pendleton, CA. At Diamond Dental of Owings Mills, she and her team provide Invisalign for individuals who desire a straighter set of teeth. If you need help to address overcrowding, gaps, or bite misalignment and want to consider clear aligners, contact us at (516) 798-3808!