Invisalign aligners are custom-designed for a patient’s unique mouth. They should fit snugly on your teeth, but they should be relatively comfortable. If one of yours keeps popping off or simply does not want to slide onto your teeth, you might say, “My Invisalign aligner does not fit!” What should you do in such a situation? Read on below to discover a few possible reasons for ill-fitting aligners and what you can do to address such issues.
You Are Wearing a New Aligner
Fit issues with Invisalign tend to occur most often when a patient first switches to a new aligner. It has not yet had an opportunity to begin shifting your teeth, so it may feel tight. It might even resist your efforts to slide it onto your teeth or be prone to popping out of place.
Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to fix. Try using Invisalign chewies. The chewies are soft, spongy plastic cylinders that you can bite on for 10 – 15 minutes. The pressure should help you to push your aligners fully into place and keep them there. Your dentist may be able to provide you with chewies, but they are also available over-the-counter in many places.
You Are Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
You should strive to wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day (the closer to 22 hours, the better). Failing to do so means that they do not have adequate opportunity to apply pressure to your teeth and shift them toward their proper positions. As a result, you might find that when you switch to a new aligner, it simply does not want to go on your teeth.
If you suspect that inadequate aligner wear is affecting your treatment, you might need to keep using your current aligner for a while longer before switching to a new one. Of course, you should consult with your dentist before making any decisions in this regard.
There Is a Problem with Your Aligner
In some cases, an aligner does not fit because there is something wrong with it. It may not have been manufactured properly, or it might have gotten damaged at some point. It is also possible you’re your treatment needs some slight revisions.
If you think there is a problem with your aligner, get in touch with your dentist. They can order a replacement for you or offer another appropriate solution.
Invisalign aligners usually fit perfectly, but problems can arise sometimes. Fortunately, your dentist is ready to help you navigate around any concerns you may encounter during your treatment.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Erin Page of Capital Smiles in Schenectady has more than a decade of experience in her field. Throughout her career, she has expanded her knowledge through countless hours of continuing education. Invisalign is one of the many treatments she offers. To learn more about Dr. Page and our practice, contact our office at 518-374-0317.