Invisalign® are clear aligners that give you an alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. Unfortunately, some people find that the aligners are not comfortable, and this is typically due to an improper fit. So, why would aligners not be fitting properly?
Why Would Aligners Not Be Fitting Properly?
Some type of damage is the most common reason why Invisalign® aligners don’t fit properly. Although the plastic is very durable, the aligners can warp if they are left out in the heat, such as inside your car. Invisalign® aligner may crack and bend if you set something on them. You may also be using the wrong aligner in the series. If you don’t wear your aligners as directed, you may experience discomfort due to “backtracking. “ This means that your teeth were not moved enough by one aligner in the series. When you put in a new aligner, you have more discomfort than with previous aligners in the series.
How to Tell If Aligners Are Not Fitting Properly
Some discomfort is to be expected when you move from one aligner in your Invisalign® series to the next. This may not necessarily indicate that the aligner is not fitting properly. The best way to tell is to check how the aligner fits against your teeth. It should be completely flush without any gaps. Aligners should also snap into place. There shouldn’t be space between the bottom of the aligner and the bottom of your teeth. It should be a snug fit.
What To Do If Your Aligners Don’t Fit
Your Invisalign® aligners come with small, cylindrical pieces of foam. Use one to try to improve the fit of your aligners. Place the foam roll between your teeth, and gently bite down. You may need to do this for a few days to get your aligners to seat onto your teeth. The only sensation you should feel is a slight pulling on your teeth. If you have any other types of discomfort, or if the aligner won’t fit onto your teeth, contact us to schedule a follow-up appointment.
How to Prevent Aligners from Not Fitting Properly
There are a few ways to prevent your aligners from not fitting properly. Always store the aligner in the case that came with the series, even if you only have it out for a few minutes. Never leave your aligners outdoors, even on cold days. Wear your aligners as directed by your orthodontist. Don’t eat crunchy or hard foods while wearing your aligner, and don’t chew on hard objects. This can damage the aligner. Make sure that you attend all of your appointments with the orthodontist, and let us know about any unusual discomfort right away.
Invisalign® Aligners Treatment Near You
Dr. Savage, Dr. Sabol, and Dr. Visser offer Invisalign® for teens and adults. If you are interested in clear aligners or have any questions, contact us. We are happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists.
