An outstanding feature of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are custom-made to fit a patient’s unique dentition. They should be snug without causing extreme discomfort. But what if one of your Invisalign aligners doesn’t seem to fit? It might keep popping off or simply refuse to slide onto your teeth. What should you do? This blog post explains why you might be experiencing problems and what you can do to address the issue.
You Are Wearing a New Aligner
Most fit problems with Invisalign occur when a patient first transitions to a new aligner. Because it has not yet had an opportunity to begin moving your teeth, it could feel tight and uncomfortable. It may resist when you try to slide it onto your teeth. It might even try to pop out of place.
This issue is usually easy to correct with Invisalign chewies. The chewies are soft, spongy pieces of plastic that you should bite on for 10 – 15 minutes or so. They allow you to apply pressure to your aligners that will help them slide fully into place. You can ask your orthodontist for chewies, but they are also easy to purchase over-the-counter in many places.
You Are Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
For Invisalign to be successful, you should wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day (22 hours is preferable). Failing to do so might deprive your aligners of the time they need to apply adequate pressure to your teeth and create the desired tooth movements. If your teeth do not move enough, you might find that when you switch to a new aligner, it simply will not fit.
If you think that inadequate aligner wear is negatively affecting your treatment, you might need to delay switching to a new aligner and continue to use your current one for a while. Of course, it would be wise to speak with your dentist before you make any decisions about how and when to move forward.
There Is a Problem with Your Aligner
Infrequently, an aligner does not fit because something is wrong with it. For example, there might have been a minor error during the manufacturing process, or it could have gotten damaged. It is also possible that your teeth have not moved according to predictions, and your treatment plan needs some minor revisions.
If you think something is wrong with one of your aligners, talk to your dentist. They can order a replacement or propose another practical solution.
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit perfectly — but problems can arise from time to time. Your orthodontist is ready to help you address any concerns so you can move ahead smoothly with your treatment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Tamara Jones and Megan Hanson proudly provide a range of orthodontic services to the Richardson community, including Invisalign. If you have questions about clear aligner treatment, our team would be happy to speak with you. Contact us at 972-238-7101.