By starting Invisalign treatment, you have taken the first step on the journey to the smile of your dreams. In a little bit less than a year, you can go from crooked, crowded teeth to perfectly straight teeth.
However, like anything else, Invisalign aligners will take some getting used to. When you first get your new trays, you might find that they don’t quite feel like they fit. There are quite a few reasons why that could be the case. Here’s a guide for what to do if you feel like your aligners don’t fit.
How Should My Aligners Fit?
Before you can tell if your aligner fits or not, you need to know what they ought to feel like when you put them on.
Invisalign aligners work by nudging your teeth gently into place. To do that, they will need to fit tightly, ideally on all of your teeth at once. Your aligner will also need to have gaps for your teeth to be pushed into.
What If My Aligner Doesn’t Seat Properly?
If you find that your aligner is uncomfortable, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t fit. A little bit of discomfort during the first few weeks of wearing your aligner is actually incredibly common.
It’s also often the case that the aligner will not seat completely on your teeth without a little bit of effort. Sometimes, biting down on your aligner with your molars can cause them to pop off of your front teeth, and vis versa.
This is where Invisalign chewies come in. These are small foam tubes that you can bite down on which will seat your aligners on your front teeth. Using them often makes your aligners even more effective than they would be otherwise, speeding up treatment significantly.
What if my Aligner REALLY Doesn’t Fit?
If you find that your aligner is constantly rubbing against your lips or palette, it may be possible that it doesn’t fit properly. Similarly, if you find that you can’t seat your aligner no matter how hard you try, that could also be a sign of a problem with your tray. It may have broken or warped due to extreme temperatures.
In either case, you should tell your dentist about a problem with your aligner as soon as possible. The faster you move, sooner your provider will be able to order replacements from the lab if necessary.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino prides himself on being able to offer his patients health and confidence that they can bring into the rest of their life. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of the dentist, his contagious smile and optimism will be sure to put you at ease. Dr. Vinnie graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He considers himself a “continuing education fanatic” because he works every year to stay on top of the latest in oral medicine.
If you have any questions about taking care of your Invisalign aligner, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (303) 238-2800.