Although braces are the tried-and-true way to straighten smiles, Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet alternative. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, this system utilizes transparent plastic trays that are customized to fit snugly over your teeth to shift them to their ideal places.
But if you’re struggling to insert your aligners or they don’t fit correctly over your teeth, you might fall off track with your treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn about 3 things you can do if you’re having a hard time inserting or removing your trays!
Tip #1: Use Invisalign Chewies
When you begin wearing Invisalign, you might notice slight gaps between your enamel and the plastic trays. This is because they are designed to shift your teeth to these updated positions, gradually reducing these spaces. But it can sometimes make it difficult to snap the aligners into place when they’re new.
If you need a little extra assistance, you can try using Invisalign chewies. These are small, soft cylinders made of silicone or other soft, pliant materials that won’t hurt the clear trays. To use them, place your aligners over your arches, then position the chewy between your teeth and bite down gently to push the plastic more firmly over them. You can work your way through your entire mouth until the trays feel snuggly positioned, then rinse the cylinders off and reuse them again later if needed.
Tip #2: Try Back Tracking
These aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours to keep your teeth from shifting to their starting places, then after a week or two, you’ll be directed to switch to the next pair in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. But if your pearly whites haven’t shifted as intended, your new trays might not fit correctly.
In these cases, it can sometimes be beneficial to switch back to your previous set, to give your teeth more time to shift to their designated places before wearing the new ones. However, please check in with your dentist before back tracking, because any changes to your Invisalign treatment plan require their insight and approval.
Tip #3: Contact Your Dentist
Whether you haven’t been wearing your aligners long enough, they’ve been damaged, or you have stubborn teeth that simply aren’t moving at the anticipated rate, there are several reasons why your new trays might not fit. If you’ve tried using chewies and still cannot seem to get the trays over your teeth, it’s time to contact your provider.
They can examine your mouth to determine what’s happening and adjust your treatment plan if needed. This sometimes involves making new impressions to create additional trays to help shift stubborn teeth.
If you have other issues or concerns with Invisalign, contacting your dentist can provide the answers you seek!
Meet the Author
Dr. Anas Alhossin, or “Dr. Al”, is passionate about helping families in Raynham improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine advanced degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated with honors. Today, he has 15+ years of experience providing a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. If you want to straighten your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (508) 880-4910.