Your Invisalign trays are designed to fit snugly and securely to your teeth. Each time you switch to a new set, they may feel tight and a little uncomfortable at first but should be better within a few days. But what happens if they don’t fit correctly, or pop off while you’re wearing them? If your aligners aren’t seating properly, you may be worried about how to get them to stay in place. Here are some tips and tricks to try to help ensure that your trays stay on and fit comfortably until it’s time to switch to a new pair.
My Aligners Don’t Fit. Now What?
The first thing you should try when your aligners aren’t fitting correctly is using an Invisalign Chewie. These reusable plastic sticks can be bitten down on while you’re putting on your aligners, to help guide them into place. To use them, bite down starting from the back of your mouth, moving them forward incrementally and repeating until you have reached the other side of your arch. This should help push them into place and keep them there until you take them off.
Take a Step Back
If chewies are not enough to secure your aligners to your teeth, it may be beneficial to switch back to your previous set. Your dentist can advise you if it is safe to do this. Sometimes, your new aligners may not fit well because your teeth have not moved enough yet. This can happen if you do not meet the 22-hour-a-day wear requirement, or if you are not doing your bite exercises as prescribed.
Bite Exercises
Bite exercises help encourage your teeth to move during Invisalign treatment. While your back teeth benefit from the pressure in your mouth caused by speaking and chewing, the front ones sometimes take a little longer to follow suit because they aren’t used as much as the ones in back. Chewing exercises help make up for this, so that it’s easier for your entire arch of teeth to move in unison.
Other Reasons for a Poor Fit
If none of these steps help, your ill-fitting aligners could be causing you trouble due to damage. Be careful to never use them while eating or drinking unless you’re drinking room temperature or cooler water. Never wash them in hot water, either, as this can warp or melt them. If you are still struggling to get a good fit, speak to your dentist as soon as possible for further instructions.
Remember, your Invisalign aligners should fit perfectly to your teeth. If they’re not, you may need to take additional steps to get a secure hold.
About Our Practice
Drs. Barker, Rohner and Hunt understand the importance of having a beautiful smile, which is why they are proud to provide customized orthodontic solutions with the help of Invisalign. If you’re interested in learning more about how easy to care for aligners can provide faster results than traditional braces, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 919-847-7100.
