Invisalign aligners are designed to be a more comfortable alternative to braces, so what happens if the trays don’t seem to fit quite right? Does that mean you need a replacement?
Not necessarily! Ill-fitting trays aren’t exactly ideal, but there are a few things you can try before resorting to an entirely new set. Keep reading to learn more about the Invisalign fit and what you can do to adjust to them.
Why Don’t My Aligners Fit?
This question is no doubt circling your mind. After all, aren’t your trays customized? Don’t worry, they still are. Here are some possible reasons why your aligners may not feel as snug as they should:
- You’re wearing a new set of trays. Believe it or not, fresh trays are meant to leave some wiggle room for your teeth. As you progress, though, your teeth should move to fill in the small gaps.
- You’re not making the 22-hour wear time. If you don’t wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours per day, your teeth can actually start to shift back to their original positions and may no longer be a good fit for the aligners.
- Your trays are damaged. Cracks and chips in your trays can distort their shape, in which case their size could definitely be thrown off.
What Should I Do for Ill-Fitting Aligners?
Regardless of why your Invisalign doesn’t seem to fit quite right, these solutions might be able to restore their shape and comfort:
- Invisalign chewies. This product is designed specifically to help your teeth and a new set of trays adjust to each other. Follow the instructions and bite down on the chewies for about 10 to 15 minutes per day.
- Backtracking. If the problem has to do with how your teeth are progressing through treatment, the best thing to do might be to insert trays from a previous checkpoint. This shouldn’t be done without your dentist’s approval, though!
- Consulting with your dentist. As a professional, your dentist will be able to determine what the exact problem is with the fit of your trays and recommend an appropriate solution.
Many patients love their Invisalign treatments, and you’re not likely to encounter problems like this often (unless you’re not following instructions!). However, if you do have issues with your aligners, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. They’re basically your smile coach, after all, and will be happy to provide support with tips, tricks, and treatment adjustments!
About the Author
Dr. Rodney L. Allen has over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry so far. He’s familiar with some of the hiccups that can occur on the road to straightening your smile – such as ill-fitting Invisalign trays. If your Invisalign feels off, Dr. Allen would be happy to examine your aligners and your teeth so he can recommend a suitable solution. To contact his office, call 720-851-6784.