My Invisalign Aligner Doesn’t Fit; What Should I Do?

Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment that allows patients to straighten their smiles without the dietary restrictions and conspicuous metal wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. The system uses removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible to gradually realign a smile, but some patients may sometimes have a hard time getting them to fit over their teeth properly. Here are a few methods that can help make popping your aligners into place a breeze.

How Should My Invisalign Clear Aligners Fit?

While getting used to wearing Invisalign can take some time, your aligners should fit snugly and smoothly over your teeth from the beginning of your treatment. However, you may find that there is some space between your teeth and the inner walls of your aligners when you start wearing a new set. As you continue to wear a set of aligners, these gaps should disappear as your teeth shift into new positions, and they should be completely gone by the time you’re ready to switch to the next set.

Why Would My Aligners Not Fit Correctly?

There are several reasons why your aligners might not fit correctly, a few of them being:

• You’ve just switched to a new set of aligners, and your teeth haven’t gotten used to wearing them yet. They should feel more comfortable as you continue to wear them.
• You haven’t been wearing your aligners as required. Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours every day while only being removed for meals and oral hygiene. Failing to wear them sufficiently can allow your teeth to shift out of place.
• Your aligners have become damaged. In these cases, contact your orthodontist for further instructions.

How Can I Make My Aligners Fit Properly?

There are a few ways to help your Invisalign clear aligners fit more comfortably. When putting your aligners on your teeth, it’s best to push them down upon the front teeth force and then massage them onto the molars. You can also use your thumbs to press along the outer surface of the aligner and massage them into place.

Invisalign is a great way to enjoy a beautifully realigned smile. Consulting with your orthodontist can determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Travis Rottman completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and continues his studies with advanced education courses. He is proud to be a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Sachse, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. For more tips on comfortably wearing Invisalign, contact the office online or dial (972) 848-0073.