Too Loose, Too Tight? What to Do if Your Invisalign Isn’t Fitting Right

Invisalign clear aligners offer patients a new and more discreet way to straighten their teeth. Their flexibility and easy-to-use design make them a preferred option among self-conscious teens and adults. But what happens if these trays don’t seem to fit as they should? Will a completely new set of aligners be required? Before assuming you’ll need to spend even more money on your orthodontic treatment, learn what you can do to achieve the right fit.

What Causes Invisalign Trays to Not Fit Properly?

It’s important not to jump to conclusions while wearing Invisalign. Anytime you are required to wear something new inside your mouth, you’ll likely go through a slight adjustment phase. Some discomfort may exist as well as an “odd feeling” as your teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and other similar structures attempt to adapt.

If you do notice that your aligners do not fit properly after a short time, though, it could be attributed to:

• Your refusal or forgetfulness to wear your trays 22 hours a day. Dentists and clear aligner experts strongly urge patients to stick to the 20-22-hour rule for a reason – it’s necessary to ensure teeth keep shifting in the right direction. Failure to abide by this rule can lead to delays in treatment.
• You’re wearing damaged aligners. Whether you’ve accidentally sat on your trays or rinsed them with hot water, they can become damaged or warped, resulting in ill-fitting aligners. Lukewarm water is the only kind that should be used when cleaning or rinsing your trays, and keeping a protective case on hand is essential if you want to avoid damaging or losing one of your aligners.
• Your teeth need time to adjust. When wearing new aligners, your teeth will need time to shift and mold to the new set. As time passes, your trays will become more comfortable as your pearly whites move closer to the next phase of treatment.

Ways to Help Your Invisalign Aligners Fit More Comfortably

You might assume that purchasing a new set is the only way to get your aligners to fit as they should, but this is not the case. There is no need to spend additional money when there are things you can do to help make your trays more comfortable to wear. These include:

• Use Invisalign Chewies. These are small cylinder sticks that you can bite down on and gently hold in place for five seconds. By carefully moving them along your biting surfaces, you can make sure that your aligner is snapping into place snugly around each tooth for a more comfortable and proper fit.
• Make Sure to Wear Them 22 Hours a Day. The only time you should take out your trays is before eating, drinking, and cleaning. Sticking to these rules will keep your treatment on track and minimize the discomfort felt by your trays.
• Return to Your Previous Set. Only at the direction of your dentist should you return to wearing a previous set if your Invisalign aligners are fitting correctly. If you try the chewies and you’re your aligners for a full 22 hours daily, there may be an issue that your dentist needs to look at before having you move on to the next set in the series.

Don’t assume the worst if your Invisalign aligners aren’t fitting correctly. Take these extra steps and don’t be afraid to contact your dentist for help.

About the Author
Dr. Thanh Mollica attended Case Western Reserve University and Arcadia University before enrolling in The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Since earning her dental degree, she has continued to pursue additional courses to further her knowledge and receive advanced training, specifically in Invisalign. Offering patients at Orange Place Family Dentistry this clear alternative to metal braces, she looks forward to creating one-of-a-kind, straighter, more beautiful smiles. Visit our website or call (216) 464-2448 to learn more about this orthodontic alternative.