Sometimes, when putting on a new Invisalign aligner, you may find it isn’t fitting properly. Luckily, there are various solutions you can use at home to adjust the fit of your aligners.
In this video, Diamond Braces Chief Clinical Officer and orthodontist Dr. Oleg Drut shows you how to adjust the fit of your Invisalign aligners.
Why Don't My Invisalign Aligners Fit Properly?
Each Invisalign aligner is custom-made to gently and safely move your teeth into the correct alignment. That means each aligner is slightly different, as each set is a step further in your progress.
Sometimes, especially when they are first inserted , you may find they don’t fit snugly against your teeth, this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the aligner, it just may need a little adjusting to fit properly and snugly against your teeth.
These simple tips will help you adjust the aligner for a better fit.
How to Adjust the Aligner to Fit Properly
If your aligner isn’t fitting properly, you will generally see a gap where the aligner isn’t fitting flush against your teeth. Check the area to find the gap.
Diamond Braces provides you with a bite stick for just this reason: the bite stick will help you close these gaps. Bite down on the area with the gap and hold down by clamping with your teeth for 10-15 minutes; repeat as needed to push the aligner into place.
If it isn’t working, you can send a photo of the aligner to fit inside your mouth to your Diamond Braces orthodontic team for them to examine.
Another common problem with aligners fitting improperly is on the back teeth. If you feel a gap in the back of your teeth, remove the aligner, and bend it and squeeze it with your fingers to close the opening tighter, so it fits more snugly over your teeth.
If your gums become sensitive due to aligners pressing on them you can use a nail clipper to trim some of the edges. Make sure the nail-clipper is clean by washing it with warm water and dish soap. Dry it thoroughly so it doesn’t slip in your hands.
Then trim the edges of the aligners and relieve the pressure on your gums. Only trim a little bit of the edge; you can trim it several times to find the best fit.
Your Aligners Are Still Working, So Keep Wearing Them!
Remember, your aligners are still working even if the fit doesn’t feel quite right: try to keep them in as much as possible . Try these solutions several times to see if you can adjust the aligners.
If you are still having trouble with the aligners fitting properly, schedule a visit with your orthodontist so they can examine the problem and make adjustments.