If you have misalignment issues, but don’t want to show off a mouthful of metal brackets and wires, ClearCorrect is an ideal alternative orthodontic treatment. It uses a series of clear aligners that slowly shift your teeth to their rightful locations. The best part – this treatment is discreet! However, what if you get a new set of aligners, and they don’t fit comfortably? Continue reading to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why Don’t My Aligners Fit?
Trays popping off your back teeth or not sitting comfortably on certain teeth is a common concern that patients have. While aligners don’t always fit perfectly at first, they tend to become more comfortable as your treatment progresses. Here are some of the possible causes of aligners not fitting:
- New Aligners: You get new aligners at the end of each stage of treatment. This means that with each new set or aligners, your teeth haven’t made the necessary movements yet to fit comfortably. You might need to massage your aligners down to get a smoother fit. Over the next couple of weeks, your teeth will shift so the aligners will fit better.
- Non-Compliance: Have you been wearing your aligners consistently? If you aren’t wearing them for 20-22 hours each day, your teeth may not be moving as effectively as they should. This can make it more challenging for your aligners to fit and prolong your treatment time.
- Damage: If your aligner is damaged, it might not fit properly. For instance, if you wash your aligners in hot water or drink a hot beverage with your aligners in, they can warp and no longer fit.
How to Handle an Ill-Fitting Aligner
There are multiple ways to help your aligners fit better. When you put them in, make sure to push them down on your front teeth before allying pressure on your back teeth. Eventually, they should snap into place. Then, use your thumbs to press along the entire surface of the aligners or seal them in place.
If your aligners don’t fit right over certain teeth, this means that there is a gap between the tooth and the aligner. This is a good time to try out a chewy made for clear aligners. You can bite down on them to 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 that your aligners aren’t fitting because they are damaged, give your dentist a call for further instructions. This way, they can help you get back on track.
For questions regarding your ClearCorrect treatment or progress, give your dentist a call. In just a matter of time, you will be showing off a beautifully straight smile!
About the Practice
At Newton Corner Dental Care, Dr. Gretchen Anjomi and Dr. Drew Davis work together to treat patients in the Newton Community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about ClearCorrect or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (617) 332-6232.
