Invisalign aligners are fabricated for each patient’s unique smile. They should fit snugly on your teeth, but they should stay in place, and they should be relatively comfortable. What should you do if one of yours keeps popping out of place or is difficult to insert into your mouth? Read on below to learn about a few possible reasons why your Invisalign aligner does not fit and what you can do in each situation.
You Are Wearing a New Aligner
Fit problems with Invisalign most often occur when a patient first starts using a new aligner. Since it has not yet had time to start moving your teeth, the aligner may feel tight. It could even resist your efforts to slide it into your mouth or be prone to popping out of place.
The good news is that this issue is usually easy to fix. Invisalign chewies may be able to help. Chewies are soft, spongy cylinders that you should bite on for 10 – 15 minutes. The pressure on your aligners should help to push them into place and keep them there. You can ask your dentist to provide you with chewies, or you can purchase them over-the-counter in many places.
You Are Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
Ideally, you should keep your aligners in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day (closer to 22 hours is better). Failure to do so can deprive your aligners of the time they need to properly shift your teeth. As a result, you might discover that when you switch to a new aligner, it is extremely difficult — or even impossible — to slide it onto your teeth.
If you think that inadequate aligner wear is adversely affecting your treatment, you should consult with your dentist. They might advise you to continue using your current aligner for longer than expected. In other cases, they may recommend that you actually move back to a previous aligner for a while.
There Is a Problem with Your Aligner
In rare cases, an aligner does not fit because there is something wrong with it. For example, there may have been a glitch during the manufacturing process, or the aligner might have incurred damage at some point. It is also possible that your overall treatment plan needs some minor revisions.
If you believe that one of your aligners has a problem, tell your dentist about your concerns. They can order a replacement or offer another solution to get your treatment back on track.
Most of the time, Invisalign aligners should fit perfectly. However, problems can arise from time to time. Your dentist is available to help you navigate such issues so you can enjoy a successful treatment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Shawn Schlessel and Benjamin Hornstein have many years of combined experience in the field of dentistry. They are proud to offer Invisalign as one of their many services. If you have questions about what to expect while you are straightening your teeth, they and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact The Center for Advanced Dentistry at 216-595-1710.