Life, as we know, is full of unexpected events. Despite having the best of intentions, some people stop using Invisalign for one reason or another. If the treatment has deviated, you should always contact your orthodontist. In the meantime, however, it is possible to intervene so that the mask readjusts itself again to the teeth.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Enter the Invisalign
Step 1. Brush your teeth thoroughly
Invisalign adheres perfectly to the shape of the teeth. In theory, there should be no space between the dentition and the key. Brushing your teeth before inserting the Invisalign will make sure that no food residues get stuck in the mouth, as it could alter the contour and seal of the appliance; this will also ensure that no bacterial growth occurs in the internal part of the Invisalign. This would involve the risk of corroding the teeth and could affect the overall cost of the treatment.
Step 2. Insert one side at a time
If you haven't worn the aligner for some time, your teeth may have returned to their original position. It may be difficult to insert the entire mask, so try applying it on one side at a time.
- Look for the insertion point that works best for you. In fact, you may find it easier to insert the braces first in one side of the mouth and then in the other, which depends on which teeth have the most alignment problems (such as crowding, rotation and so on). If you know which side of the mouth (whether it is the right, left or middle part of the arch) is the most challenging, insert the mask on the opposite side. The appliance will fit best on the side that requires the least fit. If in doubt, proceed by trial and error. Try inserting the mask on both sides and then choose the one that is least uncomfortable for you. Invisalign is quite flexible and hard to break, so don't be afraid to press it lightly on your teeth.
- Apply Invisalign to the other side of your mouth. Once you have placed it in the least demanding spot, attach it to the other side as well.
Step 3. Change your face mask at night before going to bed
This will allow her to sit down for an extended period of time without interruption. This way the next day you can take it off and put it on more easily.
Step 4. Help yourself with a mirror
At first try putting on and removing the aligner in front of a mirror to be able to observe how to apply and remove it correctly. This is especially useful if you need to apply Invisalign to poorly positioned teeth that may be protruding or receding from the arch.
Step 5. Do not force the bezel
If you have difficulty inserting the aligner or experience severe pain, stop the procedure and call your dentist. You could damage your teeth, braces, or both. Donning the mask should be relatively easy. If you have a lot of trouble or it hurts, this means that something is wrong. It is likely that the orthodontist will need to change the fit or that the mask used before the current one will need to be put on again. Old aligners are usually kept by the dentist.
Step 6. Try a different sized template
If you haven't worn Invisalign for a while, your teeth may have returned to their previous position or even to their original position (the one they had before starting the treatment). If you have trouble inserting a certain aligner, try the one you used previously (for example, the seventh instead of the eighth). Keep wearing the front mask and go to the dentist as soon as possible.
If it has been a long time since you last wore the mask, it may need to be refinished. For this purpose, new impressions must be taken and a new series of aligners manufactured. This procedure is not unusual and is often included in the total cost of treatment
Method 2 of 2: Check the Invisalign fit
Step 1. Use chewies
If the aligner does not fit your teeth well or there is air between the teeth and the template, try biting into chewies. These are cylindrical bearings made of a material similar to plastic. If used regularly, they help the aligner adapt to the shape of the mouth and eliminate any gaps that may have formed. Bite them several times a day for 5-10 minutes at a time. It is possible that they will be provided to you by your orthodontist, otherwise you can order them on the internet.
You can also try this procedure with a cotton ball, but make sure the mask is inserted in the right position
Step 2. Try to be patient
Each aligner is specially shaped so that at the beginning of the treatment it is the wrong size for the teeth. In fact, it is studied with the aim of adapting to the shape of the teeth only after it has been worn regularly for two weeks. As a result, it is normal for it to feel tight when worn for the first time.
If worn correctly (i.e. 20-22 hours a day), the tray should fit the teeth without difficulty. After wearing it regularly for two weeks it should align perfectly with the shape of your teeth. If not, keep wearing your current one for a few more days, until you can go to the dentist. Corrections may need to be made mid-treatment
Step 3. Consult your orthodontist, as he is the only person who actually knows your teeth and knows what the Invisaling seal should look like
If you haven't worn it for a long time, you should first get in touch with the specialist to find out how to get back on track. Try to be honest. In most cases, an orthodontist is able to understand if the patient has actually worn the brace for as long as he declares (in particular, the Invisalign Teen variant has a built-in "lie detector", meaning each aligner has an indicator blue that fades over time when the appliance is used correctly).
