Invisalign is a popular orthodontic substitute for traditional braces because it’s much less visibly intrusive than having clunky brackets installed on your teeth. Instead, this therapy relies on the pressure created by clear plastic aligner trays to gently reposition them over time. They’re customized to be placed snuggly over your teeth and exert just the right force to shift them. Then in 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll receive a new set from your dentist to account for the change and continue forward progress.
Patients sometimes find that their aligners don’t fit the way they’re intended to and worry that it will put a real dent in their treatment plan. Fortunately, that’s not always the case. Keep reading to learn more about why your Invisalign might not be sitting correctly and what you can do!
What Does It Feel Like When Invisalign Fits Well?
If you’re new to Invisalign, it can be harder to know if your aligners aren’t situated correctly because you haven’t yet become accustomed to them. It’s normal to notice small gaps around your teeth with a new set because they haven’t yet shifted. As they start to migrate, you’ll notice less space between your pearly whites and the plastic because they’ll have transitioned fully.
To stay on track, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day. That means you should only take them out for meals and your oral hygiene routine. Otherwise, your chompers will revert to their previous positions and your new trays won’t be able to cover them correctly.
What Can I Do if My Aligners Don’t Fit?
Sometimes your aligners need a little extra help to ensure that they settle in as they should. Many patients use specifically designed Invisalign chewies to help them eliminate gaps or remove air bubbles when inserting their trays. These are small, cylindrical tubes made of a spongy material that pushes your trays into place when you bite down on them. Some tips for using these include:
- Put the chewy between your upper and lower teeth and chomp down a few times, then bite down firmly to hold it in place for about 5 seconds.
- Move the chewy along your teeth and continue this process for each one.
- Spend extra time in places that have air bubbles or gaps.
- Once finished, rinse the chewy with unscented dish soap and water, then let it air dry. It can be reused but eventually will lose its elasticity.
It can be helpful to use these both morning and night after you brush and floss your pearly whites, to make certain that everything is where it needs to be for the day or while you’re sleeping.
If you’re still having issues, reach out to your dentist. They’ll work with you to determine whether there’s an issue and make any necessary adjustments.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran has more than 8 years of experience delivering a full range of high-quality dental care services, including Invisalign therapy. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and now is Invisalign certified and continues taking courses to develop her knowledge and skills with the world-renowned Pankey Institute. If you’re frustrated by a crooked smile, she can help. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (410) 729-9090.