My Invisalign Aligners Do Not Fit Properly – Should I Contact an Orthodontist?

Invisalign aligners are excellent for patients who are seeking orthodontic treatment but do not want the appearance or inconvenience of metal braces. The aligners are a set of clear plastic trays free of any wires or brackets that can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. The goal of the aligners is to gradually shift teeth to straighten as desired.

In order to ensure proper fit of aligners, an impression or digital scan is needed to create a model of the teeth. Impressions can be used to create a physical replica of the mouth while digital scans are used to create a digitally formulated 3-dimensional model. Doctors seemed to have shifted into using digital scans as opposed to traditional impressions for Invisalign since there is much less hassle and a greater level of accuracy. Additionally, it is possible to create a customized digital treatment plan that provides step-by-step transformation.

If you receive aligners that do not fit properly, it is possible that the digital scans or impressions caused this issue. Even though digital scans are accurate, they may not always be 100% accurate, meaning improper aligning seating has the potential to occur. If you have Invisalign aligners and experience this, consult with the Invisalign provider immediately. The fix could be as easy as a simple in-office adjustment or if the issue cannot be adjusted, the aligner may need to be sent back to an Invisalign lab for a remake.

You may also experience aligners that do not fit properly if you have not worn your aligners for an extended period of time. Generally, Invisalign aligners are to be changed every 1 to 2 weeks as directed by the provider. If aligners are misplaced or neglected and months go by while the aligners are not worn, it is possible for teeth to shift causing an improper fit whenever aligners are put in next.

Contact Us

If you seem to be experiencing improper fit of Invisalign aligners or have questions regarding optimal fit, please schedule a consultation with us today at Gladwell Orthodontics! Dr. Gladwell is well known for his advanced knowledge of Invisalign and is committed to providing a great experience to all patients. Conveniently located in the Raleigh and Wake Forest area, Gladwell Orthodontics looks forward to scheduling you soon.