It’s no secret that Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm! These amazing clear aligners are capable of transforming crooked smiles into beautiful, confidence-boosting, life-changing grins. However, due to the nature of the treatment process, it’s possible for patients with Invisalign to feel as though their aligners don’t fit properly. If you’re experiencing this, you might be wondering why it’s happening and how you can resolve it. Keep reading to learn more from your trusted orthodontist.
Why Don’t My Aligners Fit Properly?
Invisalign works by applying gradual pressure to the patient’s teeth to move them over time; in order for this movement to be successful, and comfortable for the patient, the aligners must fit exactly as intended. However, sometimes things happen that can prevent your trays from sitting on your teeth correctly. Here are a few examples:
- Your aligners have become damaged or disfigured, causing them to fit improperly. This can also occur if you don’t clean or care for them correctly.
- You’ve recently swapped to a new set of aligners, which represent progress in your treatment.
- You aren’t wearing your aligners for the intended 20 – 22 hours every day, which means your teeth aren’t moving to match up with your new sets of aligners.
What Should I Do If My Aligners Don’t Fit Correctly?
One of your main objectives during your Invisalign treatment is not only to make sure you’re wearing your aligners as often as needed, but also that they fit properly at all times. That said, there are a few ways you can easily achieve this:
- When placing your aligners, push them down over the front teeth first and then apply even pressure to the molars until you feel them “snap” into place.
- Use your thumbs to press along the entire surface of the aligners, gently sealing them over your teeth. Don’t rush this—you might hurt yourself or the aligners!
- Consider using an Invisalign chewy to help out; these are chewable cylinders that can be used to help the aligners sit correctly and eliminate air bubbles. They’re best used first thing in the morning and right before bedtime.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you still might feel as though your aligners do not fit as intended—and this is often a sign that you should visit your provider for assistance. They’ll be able to inspect your smile and adjust your treatment plan as needed, as well as help you deal with stubborn aligners that don’t feel right.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop received his DDS from the Emory University School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Fort Myers and Naples communities for several years. His practice is excited to offer a wide range of treatments including Invisalign for those who desire straighter, healthier smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or to find a location near you.