Are Your Invisalign Trays Not Fitting? Here’s What You Should Do

During your Invisalign treatment, there can be adjustments to your daily life and routine that you’ll need to make along the way, just like with braces. If you notice that your Invisalign trays don’t fit your teeth like you think they should, read on to learn what your next steps should be.

What Makes Invisalign Trays Feel Like They Don’t Fit?

Your aligners are specially designed to place a gentle, yet strategic, amount of pressure on your teeth to help shift them into their ideal positions. So, you can expect them to feel tight, especially in the first few days of wearing them. However, after that, you’ll feel less tension and find the aligners to be more comfortable. Some patients even find them to be hard to remove when they first wear them!

On the other hand, if your aligners feel loose, you may need to return to your Invisalign dentist in Edison for a quick check-up to make sure they’re doing their job.

Ways to Help Your Invisalign Trays Fit Better

It’s not uncommon for patients to notice that their aligners feel too tight or even too loose. However, sometimes, this isn’t always a sign of a problem, just that your trays are doing their job! One of the suggestions your dentist may make to help your teeth track and continue moving is by using “chewies.” These are small, round ball-shaped objects that are designed to be soft and chewable. When you bite down on them, they’ll force your aligners over your teeth to make them more effective.

If your aligners are causing you headaches or they feel way too tight, you may want to consult with your dentist. They could advise you to “backtrack” to your last set of trays, or they may need to revise your treatment plan. Just be sure to keep wearing your trays for between 20 and 22 hours every day!

Likewise, if you’re having difficulty taking your aligners out of your mouth, you may need the help of a special tool, called a clear aligner removal tool. These can be purchased online, or your dentist may be able to recommend a specific brand for you if you’d prefer.

What Can You Expect As You’re Adjusting to Invisalign Aligners?

If you’ve never worn clear aligners before, it’s important to note that they won’t always feel comfortable, and that the discomfort will disappear with some time. The reality is that they’re still designed to place pressure on your teeth to move them, so it’s not uncommon for patients to find them uncomfortable to wear. This is especially the case when you switch to a new, tighter set of trays. By following your dentist’s advice on how to help your trays fit better and ease some of the soreness they may cause, you can enjoy a much smoother journey.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren Shah has been practicing dentistry for over a decade and has completed over 1,000 hours of advanced education. He’s proud to offer his patients a metal-free, more comfortable alternative to braces to help straighten their smile. One of his favorite parts of providing patients with Invisalign treatment aligners is is how much more confident they feel when they get to see their final results! For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Signature Smiles’ website or call 908-834-8448.