Invisalign still tight after 2 weeks

Whether you’ve started Invisalign treatment at Harrisburg Smiles or at any other dentist in Harrisburg, you may be wondering what you should do if your Invisalign trays don’t seem to be fitting properly. Can you do anything to make them fit? Should you see your dentist? Find out what you should do below!

Start by Using Invisalign “Chewies” to Seat Your Aligners Properly

It’s pretty common for a new set of Invisalign trays to feel very tight. In some cases, it may even seem like they can’t fit over your teeth. If you’ve just switched to a new set of trays and they’re not fitting onto your teeth, you can use Invisalign “Chewies” to seat them properly.

These chewies are given to you by your dentist. They’re shaped like a cotton roll and made of a soft, chewable material. You can chew on them when you put your Invisalign aligners back into your mouth, usually for about 3-5 minutes. 

As you bite down on a chewy, your aligners will be forced over your teeth, even if they’re very tight. This ensures that they’re in the proper position. After chewing for 3-5 minutes, you should see no gaps between your aligners and your teeth. 

Wear Your Aligners For 20 at Least Hours Per Day!

If you’re not wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 hours per day, your treatment will start to fall behind. You won’t be giving each set of aligners enough time to move your teeth, so you find that your newer sets of aligners aren’t fitting properly.

20 hours is the bare minimum that you need to wear your aligners each day. Ideally, you should wear them for 22+ hours, removing them only to eat and drink, and to brush and floss. If you’re not wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours, your aligners may stop fitting properly.

Consider “Backtracking” to Your Previous Set of Aligners

If your teeth are not fitting into your new set of Invisalign trays, you may want to call your dentist and ask about “backtracking” to your previous set of aligners. Wearing a previous set of aligners for an extra week or two may shift your teeth into the proper position, and allow you to get your treatment back on track. However, you should not do this without consulting with your dentist first. 

Work With Your Dentist for a Treatment Revision

If using chewies, wearing your aligners properly, or even backtracking to a previous set of aligners doesn’t work, you may need to work with your dentist to revise your Invisalign treatment plan, and get some new aligners.

It’s always possible that your treatment plan wasn’t perfect, or that your teeth are simply moving more slowly than anticipated. Your dentist can work with you to assess the position of your teeth, issue new aligners, and get your treatment back on track.

Aligners Not Fitting? It’s Not the End of the World!

If your Invisalign trays aren’t fitting properly, there are a few easy steps you can take to get your treatment back on track, as shown above. Need help with your aligners, or interested in Invisalign treatment? 

Harrisburg Smiles is here to help. Contact us now at (980) 258-0866 to schedule an appointment and see if Invisalign is right for you, or stop by our office at 4310 Physicians Blvd, Harrisburg, NC 28075 .