Invisalign clear aligners offer an alternative orthodontic solution for patients who prefer to avoid traditional metal braces. Fortunately, these flexible and aesthetically pleasing trays are easy to wear and require no compromise when it comes to your daily appearance. However, as you move through treatment, you may wonder why one or both of your trays are not fitting properly. If you fear that you’ll need an entirely new set of aligners, keep reading to learn why that may not be necessary and what you can do instead.
Why Do My Invisible Aligners Feel Uncomfortable?
When initially receiving your clear aligners, it will take some time to get used to the new appliances that are now inside your mouth. You will likely feel a little discomfort because your teeth are shifting.
However, there is a big difference between discomfort from tooth movement and an ill-fitting aligner. Should you find that your trays will not stay in place or seem to be popping off your teeth, it may be that:
- You are not wearing your clear aligners for a full 22 hours each day. This timeframe is essential if your teeth are to move according to plan. Otherwise, they may no longer fit as they once did, resulting in an improper fit, delays in treatment, and a sub-standard result.
- Your Invisalign trays are damaged. This can happen if you keep them in to eat, or if you accidentally drink something hot while wearing your aligners, as this can warp the material.
- Your aligners are new and need to be massaged down onto your teeth until they fit properly.
How Can I Improve the Fit of My Aligners?
Instead of feeling as if you need to rush to your orthodontist’s office for help, you may be able to address the situation at home. Consider trying the following steps to see if your trays become more comfortable. If they do not, go ahead and schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.
- Push your aligners down over your teeth when inserting them into your mouth. With your aligners on, bite down and clench on your back teeth for 2-3 seconds, and then bite down and clench on your front teeth only for 2-3 seconds. Do this every time you put on your aligners. This has the effect of “chewing” your aligners into a better fit. You can also apply pressure with your fingers as you push your aligner down over the rest of your teeth.
- If a gap exists between one or more teeth and your aligner, try chewing on a pencil or a firm phone case. Do this for a couple of minutes each day until the fit improves. The pressure will cause your aligner to fit correctly over your teeth.
- Make sure that you wear your trays for 22 hours each day and swap out each set for a new one at the frequency that Dr. Ben recommends.
If you are still experiencing issues with the fit of your Invisalign aligners, call your orthodontist for help. It may mean that the trays need to be replaced, in which case, your orthodontic team can help move the process along and help you avoid longer treatment delays.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel is a trusted orthodontist in Grayslake who leads a team of qualified staff that is dedicated to your and your family’s dental health. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with his Doctor of Dental Surgery, he earned his specialist credentials as an orthodontist as well as a Master of Science in oral sciences. If you are undergoing Invisalign treatment but struggling with the fit of the aligners, contact us at (847) 548-4330.
About the Practice
Grayslake Orthodontics is a family-friendly practice that is committed to delivering exceptional results with the help of traditional orthodontics, clear aligners, dentofacial orthopedics, oral appliances, and special needs orthodontics. Using advanced technology to create more accurate and precise treatment plans, our team of professionals believes in creating more comfortable and efficient experiences so that our patients can get the care they need. At Grayslake Orthodontics, we also offer virtual consultations so that we can easily evaluate your smile and bite without you needing to leave home.
