Invisalign aligner trays are custom-made for each patient; their design is based on incredibly accurate digital scans of your mouth. They should fit snugly on your teeth and be relatively easy to slide into your mouth. But what if one of your Invisalign aligners does not fit? Does that mean you need an entirely new set of trays? No, probably not. This blog post delves into why your aligner does not fit and the steps you can take to address the problem.
Why Your Aligner Does Not Fit
There are a few possible reasons why your aligner does not fit:
- You are wearing a new aligner. When you first start using an aligner, it might feel tight and may resist when you try to slide it onto your teeth.
- You are not keeping up with your recommended wear time. You should be wearing Invisalign for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failure to do so can slow down your tooth movements, and successive trays might not fit.
- The aligner is defective or damaged. In rare cases, a defective tray slips through the manufacturing process. It is also possible for aligners to get warped or damaged due to various mishaps.
What Can You Do?
Here are some practical suggestions that may help your trays to fit better:
- Use Invisalign chewies. These plastic chewies have a soft, foamy texture. When you bite on them, they can help your aligners slide into place and achieve a secure position on your teeth. Try biting on them for a few minutes after inserting an aligner, particularly when you are using a new tray.
- Keep track of your wear time. Make it your goal to keep Invisalign in your mouth for at least 20 – 22 hours each day. Some people use an app, like TrayMinder, to help them with this.
- Try a previous aligner. If a new aligner seems too tight, you might need to wear your previous one for a few extra days, especially if you have been struggling to meet your daily wear time goal.
- Speak to your dentist. If one of your trays gets damaged or may be defective, let your dentist know so they can order a replacement for you.
A poorly fitting Invisalign aligner is a bummer! Take practical steps to get your treatment back on track.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is pleased to provide Invisalign treatment for the Schenectady community. She has even been an Invisalign Preferred Provider every year since 2013! If you have questions about Invisalign or how you can enjoy successful orthodontic treatment, contact Capital Smiles at 518-374-0317.