A common option for people looking for a discrete and practical approach to straighten their teeth is Invisalign. What occurs, though, if your aligners no longer fit correctly? Although it's a widespread fear, there are ways to address it. In this post, we'll walk you through what to do if your aligners don't fit properly and how to deal with any potential problems. If your Invisalign treatment isn't going as planned, it's critical to remain composed and know what to do.
Understanding Why Your Aligner May Not Fit Properly
There are a few reasons why your aligner might suddenly feel uncomfortable or seem like it’s not fitting as it should. The most likely causes include:
1. You’ve Missed a Few Days of Wear
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth over time. The aligners are custom-designed to fit your teeth at each stage of treatment. However, if you’ve missed a few days of wear, your teeth may have shifted slightly, making the aligners feel tighter or misaligned. This is a common issue and can usually be resolved by getting back on track with your treatment schedule.
2. You’ve Moved to the Next Set of Aligners Too Soon
Sometimes, excitement or impatience can lead us to rush through the stages of Invisalign treatment. If you’ve switched to a new set of aligners before the current set has fully worked, the new set may not fit properly. Each aligner is designed to gently move your teeth, and skipping ahead can disrupt that process.If you’ve been using Invisalign in Preston, your provider should have given you a schedule — stick to it as closely as possible, and don’t hesitate to ask if you feel unsure about when to change trays.
3. You’ve Lost or Damaged an Aligner
It’s easy to misplace or accidentally damage your aligners, especially if you’re not used to taking them in and out. Losing an aligner or having it break can lead to discomfort and hinder the progress of your treatment. It’s essential to address this quickly.In these cases, reaching out to an emergency dentist in Preston can save you from prolonged delays and get your treatment back on track swiftly.
4. Your Teeth Have Shifted More Than Expected
Every Invisalign treatment is unique, and some people may experience faster or slower tooth movement. If your teeth are moving faster than expected, you might feel that your aligner is too tight. Conversely, if they’re moving slower, the aligner might seem loose.At this stage, consulting your Invisalign Preston provider can help you decide whether you need a new scan or mid-course adjustment.
What to Do When Your Aligner Stops Fitting Properly
Now that we’ve covered the reasons why your aligners might stop fitting properly, let’s discuss how to handle the situation.
Step 1: Check Your Wear Time
The first step is to check whether you’ve been wearing your aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours per day. If you’ve missed a few days, try to get back on track by wearing your current aligners continuously. After a couple of days, check the fit again. If the aligners still feel off, it’s time to take further action.
Step 2: Go Back to the Previous Set (If Applicable)
If you’ve switched to the next set too early, going back to your previous aligner and wearing it for a few more days may help. This gives your teeth time to catch up and can make the next tray fit more comfortably.Be sure to speak to your Invisalign Preston provider before doing this regularly, as too much back-and-forth can also impact progress.
Step 3: Contact Your Invisalign Provider
If your aligner still doesn’t fit correctly after adjusting your routine, it’s time to contact your Invisalign provider. They’ll assess the fit and may recommend wearing a previous aligner, delaying your next stage, or even ordering new aligners based on updated impressions.If you’re in pain, or if the aligner is cutting into your gum or cheeks, getting in touch with an emergency dentist in Preston can provide immediate relief and prevent potential oral injury while your orthodontist prepares a solution.
Step 4: Avoid Forcing It
Never try to force an ill-fitting aligner into place. Doing so can damage the aligner or even your teeth. If it won’t go in easily with gentle pressure, stop and re-evaluate. Forcing it can lead to improper alignment and longer treatment times.
How to Prevent Future Fitting Problems
The best way to deal with aligner issues is to avoid them where possible. Here are some practical tips to keep everything on track.
1. Stick to the Recommended Schedule
Following your treatment plan is the number one rule. Wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day and only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), and cleaning.
Patients using Invisalign in Preston often benefit from treatment apps or checklists to stay on schedule and prevent unexpected issues with fit.
2. Store Your Aligners Safely
Always use your aligner case. Popping them into a napkin or pocket is a recipe for losing or damaging them — and replacing lost aligners can cost both time and money.
3. Clean Your Aligners Regularly
Dirty aligners can become warped or stained and may feel uncomfortable. Gently brush them with lukewarm water (never hot) and a soft toothbrush. There are also specific cleaning crystals and solutions available if needed.
4. Keep Up With Appointments
Even with remote check-ins, don’t skip your scheduled reviews. Your dentist must keep an eye on how the aligners are affecting your teeth.. If something feels off, they can catch and correct it early.And if it’s urgent, contacting an emergency dentist in Preston can help resolve any discomfort or concerns outside of your regular appointments.
5. Use Chewies to Seat Aligners Properly
Chewies are small, squishy cylinders you bite on to help your aligners sit better. If your new tray feels loose or isn’t fitting right, using chewies several times a day can make a real difference.
Conclusion
Relax if your aligners aren't fitting well; they can generally be fixed. You have choices, regardless of whether it's due to a missing day, rushing ahead too soon, or a small tooth movement. Check your wear time, see your physician, or even seek emergency dental care in Preston to get back on track. You won't ever feel stuck with an aligner that doesn't fit because of EDP individualised support and professional care for each Invisalign Preston patient.
