Part of what makes Invisalign aligners so incredible is the fact that every tray is custom-made for you. That tight, meticulously-crafted fit is what allows them to push the teeth into alignment so successfully.
It may come as a surprise to you then when you find that your Invisalign aligner doesn’t quite fit over your teeth. Here’s why that could be, and what you should do about it.
How Are Invisalign Trays Supposed to Fit?
Before you can tell whether your aligners fit or not, you should have a good idea of how they’re supposed to feel. As was hinted at previously, your aligners should fit tightly over your teeth—its common for them to even be a little uncomfortable when you first get a set of new trays.
However, your trays also need to be able to contain your teeth once they’ve moved, so it’s also common for there to be small gaps in the trays when you’re wearing them.
What Do I Do If My Aligners Don’t Fit?
If you find that your aligners don’t fit comfortably at first, it may be that they’re functioning as intended. If you’re able to wear them, continue doing so for a few days and see if the situation doesn’t improve.
It’s also common for there to be an issue where biting down with the front teeth causes the tray to pop off of the back teeth. If this is happening to you, you might try using Invisalign chewies to make seating your aligners a little easier.
However, if you find that you can’t put your aligners on at all, or if it’s too loose, it may be that there’s an underlying issue with them. Call your dentist and tell them what you’re dealing with—they may recommend that you move up to the next stage of trays or fall back to a previous one while they order a replacement.
What Can Cause This to Happen?
There are times when Invisalign aligners don’t fit due to a manufacturing error, but it’s more common that they’ve been damaged somehow. Plastic trays can warp due to extreme temperatures, so if you left yours in the sun or ran it through the dishwasher that may be the culprit. It might also be the case that your trays have a crack or fracture, so check them closely to ensure that they haven’t been damaged.
About Our Practice
At Brite Smiles, we work hard to offer our patients modern, sophisticated dentistry that is worth the investment. We have a variety of incredible services located under one roof, meaning that for any issue that you come to see us with, we can promise you thorough, comprehensive dental care. We also have evenings and weekend appointments, so you can get the care you need on your schedule.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (847) 297-0808.