You’d normally expect aligning trays to sit snugly over your teeth. After all, labs design them to work on your smile alone. Still, there are times when Invisalign aligners don’t fit properly. You might wonder how to respond in that situation. Well, never fear – there are steps you can take to resolve the problem. Your Groveport dentist can even explain them. To that end, here are four things you should do if your Invisalign trays aren’t fitting.
Confirm the Invisalign Wear Time
For starters, make sure you’re meeting the daily Invisalign wear time. Not wearing the aligners long enough each day can cause them to fit poorly.
You see, Invisalign requires you to wear your trays for 22 hours daily. Doing so ensures treatment can move your teeth into alignment. When you don’t meet that wear time, though, your smile will likely revert to its earlier position. At that point, your pearly whites might not suit your aligners.
Still, not all hope is lost. If you didn’t meet the wear time before, do so now. There’s a good chance the aligners will start fitting better.
Try Invisalign “Chewies”
Maybe your aligner doesn’t fit well over one tooth precisely. In that case, you could try Invisalign “chewies” – small cylinders that help people adjust to their trays. Biting down on them can eliminate gaps and improve aligner fit.
Generally, using an Invisalign chewy involves a few steps. First, place it between your upper and lower teeth and bite down. You should then move your biting surfaces to get every tooth. Once done, you can wash the chewy with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. You’re then free to reuse it as needed.
Backtrack to Previous Aligners
Sometimes, a new set of trays won’t fit well even with chewies and proper wear time. Should that happen to you, consider backtracking to earlier aligners. Your teeth may not be optimally positioned for your new set yet.
Backtracking is best done at your dentist’s suggestion. That way, they can ensure you’re still following the right treatment plan. So, ask your dental provider if backtracking might work.
If All Else Fails, See Your Dentist
Despite the above methods, your trays may not fit properly. You’ll want to see your dentist if that occurs. By doing so, they can revise your treatment plan as needed.
Of course, revising your treatment means starting over with a consultation. Therefore, remember to mention your other questions or concerns at the visit.
If your Invisalign aligners don’t fit, it’s not the end of the world. Just follow the tips above to get your alignment journey back on track.
About the Practice
Sedalia Dental is based in Groveport, OH. Led by Drs. Katie and Aaron Carroll, our practice strives to embody warm and friendly dental care. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to each patient’s unique smile. Our office also takes pride in being a certified provider of Invisalign® clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (614)-836-2222.