If you want to work toward a straighter smile, SureSmile is a great way to achieve those goals without a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. SureSmile’s discreet appearance makes the treatment ideal for older teens and adults. It’s understandable to be concerned if your aligner doesn’t fit quite right. Here’s why this could be the case and what you can do about it.
Why Doesn’t My Aligner Fit?
Trays popping off your back teeth or a tooth that doesn’t fit comfortably are common concerns. While aligners don’t always fit perfectly at first, they tend to become more comfortable as treatment progresses. However, in some cases, ill-fitting aligners are due to an issue. Here are some of the most common causes.
- New Aligners: You get new aligners at the end of each stage of treatment. This means that with each set of aligners, your teeth haven’t quite made the movements needed to fit perfectly comfortable. You might need to massage your aligners down to get a smoother fit. Over the course of those two weeks, your teeth will shift into place.
- Non-Compliance: If you aren’t wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day, your teeth may not be moving as effectively as they should. This can make it more difficult for your aligners to fit, prolonging your treatment.
- Damage: If your aligner is damaged, it might not fit properly. For instance, if you wash your aligners in hot water or drink hot beverages with your aligners in, they can become warped and no longer fit properly.
What to Do If Your Aligner Doesn’t Fit
There are several ways to help your aligners fit better. When you put in your aligners, make sure to push them down on your front teeth before applying pressure to the molars until they snap in place. Then, use your thumbs to press along the entire surface of the aligners to seal them into place.
If your aligners don’t fit over one or a couple of teeth, this usually means that there is a gap between the tooth and aligner. This is a good time to try out aligner tray seaters, also called Chewies®. You can bite down on them to help eliminate gaps and remove air bubbles. Use your Chewies® for about 10 to 15 minutes a day when you first get a new set of aligners.
If you think your aligner isn’t fitting because it is damaged, let your dentist know. They will tell you the next steps to get back on track with your treatment.
For questions regarding your SureSmile aligners or progress, contact your dentist. You will be showing off a straighter smile in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide work together to treat patients in the Denton area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything you need under one roof. To learn more about SureSmile aligners or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (940) 566-4888.