Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and other brands, are a popular orthodontic choice for straightening teeth discreetly and comfortably. But sometimes, patients notice that their new tray doesn’t fit as snugly as expected. Whether it feels loose, isn’t seating on your teeth properly, or won’t go on at all, an ill-fitting aligner can throw off your treatment schedule. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to fix the issue and stay on track. Here’s what to do if your clear aligner doesn’t fit.
Check How You’re Inserting It
First, make sure you’re placing the aligner correctly. It should be aligned with your teeth and pressed into place evenly. Avoid biting down to force it; this could crack the plastic or hurt your teeth. Instead, use gentle, even pressure with your fingers to guide it on. Start with the front teeth and then press the back into place.
Use Chewies to Help Seat the Aligner
“Chewies” are small cylindrical pieces of firm foam or rubber that help seat the aligner more snugly on your teeth. Biting down on them for a few minutes a few times a day can encourage the aligner to mold to your teeth better, especially in the first few days of wearing a new tray.
Use them consistently if the aligner feels slightly off, especially if it’s not fitting around molars or premolars.
Go Back to the Previous Tray (If Needed)
If you just switched to a new tray and it doesn’t fit, your teeth may not have fully shifted yet. In this case, it might help to wear your previous aligner for a couple of extra days. This can give your teeth a little more time to adjust and make it easier for the next tray to fit properly.
Always check with your orthodontist before going backward in your tray schedule.
Check for Warping or Damage
If your aligner was exposed to heat (hot water, being left in a hot car, etc.), it might have warped, making it unusable. Inspect your tray closely for cracks, bends, or distortions. If it’s visibly damaged, don’t try to wear it – call your provider for a replacement.
Contact Your Orthodontist
If your aligner still doesn’t fit after trying the above steps, or if it’s causing significant discomfort, reach out to your orthodontist or aligner provider. They can determine whether your teeth are off track or if a new aligner needs to be made. In some cases, refinements or additional scans may be necessary. The sooner you act, the better your chances of avoiding treatment delays.
A clear aligner that doesn’t fit properly can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. Don’t ignore the issue – addressing it early ensures your treatment stays on schedule and delivers the results you’re aiming for. With the right steps and guidance from your orthodontic team, you’ll be back on track to your perfect smile in no time.
About the Practice
Having issues with the fit of your clear aligners? South Shore Dental Care can get you in and straighten out the problem in no time at all. We take pride in offering you a comfortable, homey feel in an office that’s still modern and upscale. On top of that, we can accept dental insurance plans and also offer financing to ease the financial burden on you. Ready to schedule your appointment? Call our Massapequa Park office at (516) 798-3808 or visit our website.