Invisalign is known for its precision, comfort, and near-invisibility, but sometimes, an aligner might not fit the way it should. If you notice that your Invisalign aligner isn’t fitting properly, don’t panic. While it’s not uncommon, it’s important to address the issue quickly to avoid delays in your treatment plan or discomfort.
Here’s a helpful guide on what to do if your aligner doesn’t seem to fit right.
Identify the Problem Area
First, take a close look and feel where the aligner isn’t fitting correctly. Some signs of a poor fit include:
- Gaps between the edge of your teeth and the aligner.
- The aligner feels too tight or painful to insert.
- It pops off or doesn’t stay in place.
- Certain teeth don’t seem to be fully seated in the aligner.
The issue could involve just one tooth or multiple teeth, and it may happen with a new set of trays or midway through a treatment phase.
Use Chewies to Help Seat the Aligner
Invisalign chewies are small, soft cylinders made of rubbery material that help seat your aligners more snugly against your teeth. Simply bite down on the chewies for a few minutes, focusing on the area that doesn’t fit properly.
Do this several times a day during the first few days of a new aligner. It often helps eliminate gaps and ensures a more secure, accurate fit.
Wear Your Aligner Consistently
Sometimes aligners feel like they don’t fit because your teeth haven’t fully shifted to the correct position yet. This can happen if you’ve:
- Skipped wearing your aligner for a few hours or more.
- Removed it too frequently for meals or drinks.
- Worn it less than the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day.
If that’s the case, put the current aligner back in and wear it as consistently as possible. You might need a few extra days before moving on to the next tray.
Don’t Try to Force It
Never attempt to trim, bend, or alter your aligners on your own. Doing so can damage them or worsen the fit. If chewies and proper wear don’t improve the fit after a few days, it’s time to contact your provider.
Call Your Invisalign Provider
If the aligner still doesn’t fit after trying chewies and consistent wear, call your dentist or orthodontist. They may ask you to come in for an appointment to check the fit, revert to a previous aligner if the current one is too advanced, or wait for a replacement aligner or refinement tray. Your provider will determine if your treatment plan needs to be adjusted or if a new scan is required.
A poorly fitting Invisalign aligner can feel frustrating, but it’s often a temporary hiccup that can be resolved with the right steps. Use chewies, stick to your wear schedule, and stay in close contact with your provider. With proper attention, you’ll stay on track to a straighter, healthier smile in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Mitchell is a 2014 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has completed countless hours of ongoing education with leaders in the field like Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. John Kois, and Dr. Gordon Christensen. Dr. Mitchell also stays current in his field through memberships in the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Are you experiencing issues with your Invisalign fitting? Schedule an appointment online or call our Oklahoma City office at (405) 755-2670.
