Starting Invisalign treatment is an exciting step toward a straighter, more confident smile. But if one of your aligners isn’t fitting properly, it can throw you off track. Whether your tray feels too tight, too loose, or isn’t seating all the way onto your teeth, it’s important to know how to respond without panicking.
The good news? A poorly fitting aligner doesn’t always mean your treatment is ruined or that you’ll need a whole new set. Here’s what you should do next.
Check Your Seating With Chewies
Sometimes, an aligner may not seat properly right away—especially if you’ve just moved to a new set of trays. Invisalign “chewies” are small, soft rubber cylinders that help push your aligners into place. Simply bite down on them for a few minutes several times a day to help your aligners fit snugly.
This can be particularly helpful during the first day or two of wearing a new tray. If you’re not using chewies regularly, that may be the first solution to try.
Confirm You’re on the Right Tray
If you accidentally skipped a tray or switched too soon, the aligner won’t fit correctly. Make sure you’re using the correct set according to your treatment schedule. If you’ve been out of your trays for more than a few days, your teeth may have slightly shifted, and you might need to backtrack to a previous aligner.
Check the number on your aligners to verify you’re on the right one, and reach out to your dentist if you’re unsure how to proceed.
Look for Damage or Warping
Sometimes, aligners don’t fit because they’ve become warped—often due to hot water, leaving them in a hot car, or improper handling. If the tray looks distorted or feels unusually loose in certain areas, it may no longer be usable.
Do not attempt to bend or reshape the tray yourself. Instead, consult your dentist to determine whether a replacement is needed.
Stay Consistent With Wear Time
Your aligners need to be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day to keep your treatment on track. If you haven’t been wearing them consistently, your teeth might not be ready for the next tray in the sequence. In this case, you may need to wear the previous aligner a bit longer before progressing.
Maintaining consistent wear is crucial for each tray to fit as expected.
Contact Your Dentist if the Issue Persists
If your aligner still doesn’t fit after trying the above steps, it’s time to schedule a visit. Your dentist can assess your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and even order a replacement tray if needed.
Your provider is there to guide you through these small bumps in the road. A misfitting aligner isn’t the end of the world—it just means it’s time to pause, reassess, and get help if needed.
About the Practice
At Great Lakes Dental Excellence, patients receive high-quality, personalized orthodontic care in a welcoming environment. Dr. Van de Vyver and Dr. DeBellis specialize in Invisalign and other smile solutions, using advanced technology and patient-first care to ensure every treatment stays on track. Whether you’re starting Invisalign or need help with a tray that isn’t fitting, we’re here to support your smile journey.
Call us at (586) 725-5500 or request an appointment online.