Does one of your Invisalign aligners feel “off?” Do your trays feel uncomfortable? Are you fearful that you’ll need replacements, thus delaying your treatment? Before you jump to the worst-case scenario, you may be surprised to learn that making a few adjustments might be all you need. Keep reading to discover 3 solutions that can lead to positive results and a more comfortable fit.
Be Patient When Wearing New Trays
The initial discomfort that comes with wearing new trays is normal. It can take time for your mouth to adjust, so be patient. Although they may not feel comfortable at first, your teeth will need to shift to mold to the impression.
This will likely occur with each new set you are required to wear throughout treatment, so don’t rush the process, and don’t assume something is always wrong. Just have some patience and trust the process.
Wear Your Trays 22 Hours Each Day
If you are not wearing your trays for 20-22 hours each day, your trays may not fit as they should. This daily timeframe is essential if you want to stay on track. Your teeth need continuous, gentle pressure to keep moving in the right direction. Without it, they will stall, resulting in a delay.
It’s important to remember that your aligners should only be removed when eating a meal, consuming a beverage (other than water), and cleaning your trays. Otherwise, they should be in your mouth. Frequent snacking or removing them for any other reason can put your timeline at risk, so stick to the 22-hour rule if you want your trays to fit comfortably.
Use Invisalign Chewies
If you need help to get your Invisalign aligners to fit over one or more teeth more snugly, you can use Invisalign chewies. These are small, soft cylinders that help move your aligners into place should there be a gap between your teeth and the trays.
All you have to do is gently bite down and hold for a few seconds. This will give the tray the pressure it needs to slide into place easily. If necessary, you can move the chewie along your arch to ensure your Invisalign is securely in place.
Using these chewies can be most helpful immediately after you finish cleaning your trays and are preparing to reinsert them into your mouth.
Most ill-fitting aligners can be addressed with modifications to your daily routine; however, should you damage your trays by rinsing them in hot water or continue to struggle with discomfort, make sure to contact your dentist for help.
About the Author
Dr. Tricia Mockler is a talented dentist in Campbell who earned her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2010. After working at a private practice in the Bay Area, she turned her focus to digital dentistry – an area she fully harnesses in her dental office. At Mockler Dental, she and her team believe in creating the best results, which is why she offers Invisalign as an alternative for self-conscious patients who need orthodontic treatment. If you are interested in wearing clear aligners to straighten your teeth, contact us at (408) 871-0877.