Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces with good reason. Patients love that the transparent trays are less visibly noticeable than bulky metal brackets. Plus, it can often be completed in 12 months as opposed to several years with the tried-and-true method. This option relies on customized plastic trays that are placed over your teeth to gently reposition them over a designated period. If your aligners don’t fit well, however, it can interfere with your treatment timeline. Keep reading to learn why this might be happening and what you can do about it!
How Should Invisalign Fit?
If you’re new to Invisalign, it’s normal to wonder what it should feel like so you can verify whether yours fits properly. The first time you wear your aligners, they should fit snuggly but smoothly over your pearly. Don’t be alarmed if you notice small gaps at first because these are built in to accommodate the ongoing movement of your teeth. Your pearly whites will move and fill in those spaces by the time you switch to a new set of aligners.
Why Doesn’t My Invisalign Fit Well?
Once you’ve become adjusted to wearing Invisalign, you’ll be able to tell more easily when something isn’t right. If you notice that your aligners are popping off your back teeth or just are not fitting over them correctly, it could be because:
- They’re new to you. Your teeth haven’t moved to accommodate your new trays yet so it may be more challenging to place them.
- You’re not wearing them long enough. To stay on track, you need to wear Invisalign for 22 hours every day. If you don’t, your teeth can revert to their previous placements, and you may need to go back to earlier aligners or request a new set.
- They’re damaged. You can damage your aligners by exposing them to hot liquids which warps the plastic so it no longer fits.
What Can I Do If My Invisalign Doesn’t Fit?
If you’re struggling to get your new aligners into place, you can try using Invisalign chewies. These are small foam tubes that you bite down on to press your trays firmly into their intended positions. If that doesn’t help, it’s time to call your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and aligners to identify what needs to be fixed. It could be a simple matter of trimming or adjusting them, but in some cases, they may need to be replaced altogether.
Although it can be frustrating to have to adjust to your new aligners, it’ll be worth it when you remove your last set to reveal your perfectly straightened smile!
About the Author
Dr. Swathi Alturi is committed to providing people of all ages with a full range of services to meet their dental needs. She earned her initial dental degree in India where she practiced for several years before moving to the United States. In 2011, she completed her DDS at the New York University College of Dentistry. Now, she pursues ongoing educational opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in dental techniques so you’re sure to get the most current treatments. She uses state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify problem areas and provide customized solutions just for you. If you’re interested in Invisalign and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (682) 452-1150.