Invisalign has become a popular choice for straightening teeth thanks to its clear, removable aligners and comfortable fit. However, it’s not uncommon, especially when switching to a new set, for an Invisalign tray to feel like it doesn’t fit quite right. If your aligner is loose, won’t fully seat on your teeth, or causes discomfort beyond the normal adjustment period, it’s important to take action quickly. Here’s what you should do if your Invisalign aligner doesn’t fit properly.
Identify the Problem
When an aligner doesn’t fit, it usually falls into one of these categories:
- The tray won’t fully seat on one or more teeth.
- It feels overly tight or causes sharp discomfort.
- It appears loose or pops off easily.
- There are visible gaps between your teeth and the aligner.
These issues can happen due to several reasons: your teeth might not have shifted fully into the previous aligner’s position, you may have skipped wearing a tray for the recommended time, or the aligner itself may be defective.
Use Chewies to Help Seat the Aligner
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is to use Invisalign “chewies.” These are small, soft rubber cylinders that you bite down on to help the aligner seat more snugly against your teeth. Spend a few minutes several times a day chewing on them, focusing especially on the areas where the aligner isn’t fitting properly.
This simple technique can often resolve fit issues within a day or two, especially when starting a new set.
Revert to Your Previous Aligner
If you skipped a day or two of wear time or switched to the next set of aligners too early, your teeth might not have moved enough to accommodate the new tray. In this case, go back to your previous aligner and wear it for another few days to give your teeth more time to shift.
Then try the next aligner again, using chewies and consistent wear to help it fit better.
Double-Check Your Wear Schedule
Invisalign aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. If you’ve been removing them too often or not wearing them consistently, your progress may be delayed, and fit issues may arise. Make sure you’re following your orthodontist’s schedule and only advancing to the next aligner when instructed.
Contact Your Orthodontist
If you’ve tried the above steps and the aligner still doesn’t fit, it’s time to contact your orthodontist. They may:
- Evaluate whether your teeth have shifted as expected.
- Recommend re-wearing an earlier aligner.
- Provide a replacement aligner.
- Take new impressions or scans if necessary.
Never try to force an aligner into place, as this can damage your teeth or the tray.
Fit issues with Invisalign are usually minor and temporary, especially when you act quickly and follow the right steps. Using chewies, rechecking your wear schedule, or reverting to a previous tray can often solve the problem. But when in doubt, always consult your orthodontist – they’re there to ensure your treatment stays on track and delivers the straight smile you’re working toward.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing issues with your Invisalign aligner, or interested in getting treatment? At Heim & Carroll DMD, we can help! We can discreetly correct orthodontic issues whether you’re a teen or an adult. Worried about paying for the procedure? No worries – we have additional financing available through CareCredit to ease the burden of costs on you. Ready to straighten out your smile? Schedule an appointment through our website or call (860) 633-2031.
