Invisalign aligners are designed so that teeth will move and conform to the designated shape of each set. It is natural to feel as if these trays do not fit correctly at first; however, as time passes, they will become more comfortable to wear. There are instances, though, when one or both Invisalign trays do not sit properly against your teeth. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem, allowing you to achieve a better fit.
Wear Your Invisalign Trays 20-22 Hours a Day
If you are not currently wearing your trays 20-22 hours a day, you will notice continual discomfort. This is because your teeth are not shifting like they are supposed to.
If a straighter smile is to be achieved according to the timeline originally provided by your dentist, you will need to wear your Invisalign trays most of the day. This is the designated amount of time that experts believe is necessary if teeth are to move into proper alignment.
Use Your Invisalign Chewies
A small gap can form between your teeth and your aligners, making it difficult to move them into place. You can improve their fit by using what are known as Invisalign chewies. These small, cotton-like cylinders are easy to use. You bite down on them for 5-10 minutes while wearing your aligners. As you move your teeth against them, your trays will begin to move until they are firmly in place.
Their soft material does not cause any irritation, and they make switching to a new set of aligners much easier, as there will be no gaps to worry about.
Ask Your Dentist About Backtracking
There are times when teeth do not move as they should. When this happens, you may need to ask your dentist about returning to your previous set of aligners until they can decide how best to move forward. If an adjustment is required, they can make the necessary changes at this time, but this decision to wear the most recent trays ensures you will not experience a significant delay in treatment.
You should only consider this option after speaking with your dentist.
Inquire About Revising Your Treatment
When using your chewies and wearing your trays for the designated amount of time each day does not work, it may be necessary to discuss revising your Invisalign treatment. New aligners can be created based on the changes your dentist needs to make. Although this clear aligner system is designed to be more predictable, teeth are unique and may not move as quickly.
By revising your treatment, your dentist can ensure your smile continues to move correctly until it reaches its final destination.
When Invisalign aligners are not fitting correctly, new trays are not always necessary. By trying the following tips, you can work toward achieving a better fit and keeping your smile on track.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran is an experienced dentist in Millersville who provides a wide range of services all under one roof. Earning her dental degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, she received her Invisalign certification and now provides patients with a clear alternative to traditional braces. Using these clear aligners to straighten teeth and realign bites, she delivers beautiful results that stand the test of time. If you’re tired of looking at crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth, visit our website or call (410) 729–9090 to schedule an appointment.