Snug Smiles: Does My Invisalign Fit Correctly?

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as an alternative treatment to traditional braces because the clear plastic is much more convenient. Not only is the smooth material more comfortable than poking metal brackets and wires, but it also allows your natural smile to shine through.

However, your aligners rely on a proper fit to apply enough pressure to gently shift your teeth to their proper places. If yours don’t cover your teeth as intended, you could fall behind in your treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and what you can do!

How Should Invisalign Fit?

If you’re new to Invisalign, you might not know enough about how your trays should feel to know whether they fit correctly. Understanding what to expect can help you identify when you need extra help.

Typically, these aligners fit snuggly over your teeth but with slight gaps between the plastic and your enamel. This isn’t necessarily an error or reflective of a bad fit. After a week or two of wearing them, your teeth will shift to fill in the spaces. Then, you’ll be given a new set of trays to wear, again with small spaces until your pearly whites move to fill them.  

Why Doesn’t My Invisalign Fit Correctly?

Many patients struggle with their Invisalign frequently popping off their back teeth or have a hard time inserting them. This can be caused by:

• A new set of aligners. Once you place a new pair of trays, you will notice additional air pockets, which disappear as your pearly whites move to their rightful positions.
• Not complying with directions. You must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to ensure your teeth don’t revert to their previous placements, preventing a proper fit.
• Damaged aligners. The plastic material is only meant to be worn for a week or two and can be harmed if you aren’t careful. Avoid eating or drinking with them in, and steer clear of hot liquids that can warp their shape.

What Can I Do if My Invisalign Doesn’t Fit?

If you’re having a hard time placing your Invisalign, you can try pushing them over your front teeth first before pressing them over your molars. Then, push your thumb along the entire surface to create a tighter seal over your smile.

You can try using special chewies if all else fails. Biting down on these soft cylinders pushes your trays over your teeth firmly to eliminate possible air gaps. This is particularly helpful when you begin wearing a new set of aligners before your teeth move to accommodate them.

If you’re unsure whether your Invisalign fits the way it should, the best way to find out for certain is to call your dentist for an appointment!

Meet the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie has 20+ years of experience providing a comprehensive array of services to help people of all ages improve their oral health. She earned her D.D.S. from the Creighton School of Dentistry and has completed additional training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Today, she’s a valued member of the American Dental Association and is a Silver Level Invisalign provider, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. If you’re concerned that your trays don’t fit correctly, you can request an appointment on the website or call (480) 279-3100.