Clear Cures: How to Address Ill-Fitting Invisalign

Invisalign continues to gain popularity over traditional braces as a clear alternative for straightening smiles. Instead of relying on bulky metal brackets, this method utilizes transparent trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to gently reposition them over a designated period.

However, many patients struggle to insert their aligners and worry they might not fit correctly. Continue reading to learn more about how they should feel and what you can do if they’re not clicking into place!

How Should Invisalign Fit?

Many patients who are new to this orthodontic service notice small bubbles in their trays when they first start wearing them. It’s easy to think these pockets of air mean your aligners don’t fit, but the truth is that they’re designed to leave space for movement. You’ll wear them for a week or two, and by the time you switch to the next pair, your teeth will have shifted enough that you shouldn’t notice any gaps.

Why Doesn’t My Invisalign Fit Correctly?

It’s normal to see spaces between your teeth and aligners when they’re new because your pearly whites haven’t yet moved to fill them in. However, if you’re struggling to get them over your teeth, it could be because your teeth have begun reverting to their previous placements.

You must wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep them from relapsing. If they drift out of their shifted positions, your dentist might have to adjust your treatment timeline to account for the difference. You might have to wear previous trays or have new sets included so you can get back on track.

Damaged trays are another reason you might struggle to place your Invisalign. If they are left to dry out, they can crack so that they no longer sit comfortably over your teeth. Overly hot temperatures can also warp them, so they don’t fit well.

What Should I Do if My Invisalign Isn’t Fitting?

Your aligners are intended to have a tight fit so it can be challenging to get them into place. If yours won’t cover your teeth, you can try inserting them over the front ones, first, then apply pressure moving backward towards your molars until they snap into place. Then, press your thumbs along the surfaces to fully seal them over your teeth.

You can also try using an Invisalign chewy to place them. You can bite down onto one of these soft cylindrical sticks then hold down firmly for five seconds to press your trays into place.

If none of these tips help, it’s time to call your dentist so they can ensure that your Invisalign fits correctly and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Meet the Author

Dr. Yana Nemtseva enjoys helping you and your family build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of your smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the New York University College of Dentistry and then completed a General Practice Residency Program at Woodhull Medical and Mental Center in New York City. Today, she offers a full array of services to meet all of your needs at one convenient location, including Invisalign. If you want a straighter grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (732) 972-6400.