Invisalign is known for its convenience, comfort, and nearly invisible appearance. But occasionally, patients run into an issue: their aligners don’t seem to fit quite right. Maybe one tray isn’t fully seating on your teeth, or it feels tighter than usual.
If you’re dealing with this problem, don’t panic—there are a few simple steps you can take before assuming you need a whole new set of aligners.
Give It a Little Time
First things first: don’t assume the aligner is faulty right away. It’s common for new trays to feel snug during the first day or two as your teeth begin shifting. In many cases, the aligners will settle into place within 24–48 hours of consistent wear. If it’s still not fitting after that period, then it’s time to move on to other options.
Use Chewies to Seat the Aligner
If your aligners aren’t seating properly, orthodontic chewies can be a game-changer. These small, spongy cylinders help push the aligners into better contact with your teeth when bitten down on gently but firmly. Using chewies for a few minutes, several times a day, can improve the fit—especially during the first few days of a new tray.
Some patients also find that massaging the aligner into place with their fingers while using chewies helps evenly distribute pressure and seat the aligner more securely.
Check for Trapped Air or Debris
Sometimes a poor fit is caused by something simple: debris or air bubbles trapped between the aligner and your teeth. Remove your trays, rinse them with cool water, and gently brush your teeth and the inside of the aligners. Once everything is clean, try reinserting them to see if the fit improves.
Go Back to the Previous Set
If the aligner still doesn’t fit correctly and you’re in the early days of the new tray, you might need to wear your previous set for a bit longer. This gives your teeth more time to move into the right position before progressing to the next aligner in the series. Always check with your Invisalign provider before doing this to ensure it won’t interrupt your treatment timeline.
Contact Your Invisalign Dentist
If none of these tips solve the issue, it’s time to contact your provider. An improperly fitting aligner could mean that your teeth haven’t shifted as expected, or that the tray was manufactured incorrectly. Your dentist may recommend wearing a previous tray longer, scanning for a new one, or making a small in-office adjustment.
Ignoring a poor fit can disrupt your progress and potentially extend your treatment time—so don’t hesitate to ask for help if something feels off.
Taking action early helps keep your Invisalign treatment on track and your smile progressing smoothly.
About the Practice
At Nu Brick Dental Care, personalized attention and modern dental solutions come together to help patients achieve their best smiles. Dr. Gizachew and the team offer comprehensive Invisalign treatment for teens and adults, using digital planning and custom aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively.
Call us at (732) 475-7535 or request an appointment online.