My Clear Aligner Doesn’t Fit! What Do I Do?

Clear aligners such as SureSmile are designed to gradually move your teeth according to a customized treatment plan. Each new aligner should generally fit snugly over your teeth, so it can be concerning if your latest tray feels too tight, won’t seat completely, or doesn’t fit the way you expected.

Don’t be discouraged! An imperfect fit doesn’t necessarily mean your treatment has gone wrong. Here is a guide for what to do if your SureSmile aligner has fit issues.

Make Sure You’re Wearing Your Aligner Correctly

First, check that you’re inserting the aligner properly. Gently press it over your teeth with your fingers and make sure it is fully seated.

Never force an aligner into position if it causes significant pain or won’t fit over your teeth. Your dental professional can show you the proper insertion technique if you’re unsure.

In some cases, an aligner may feel tight simply because your teeth are adjusting to a new stage of treatment.

Check for an Attachment or Other Obstruction

If you have tooth-colored attachments as part of your SureSmile treatment, the aligner is designed to fit around them. An attachment that has come loose or changed may prevent your aligner from seating correctly.

Similarly, dental work such as a new filling, crown, or other restoration can sometimes affect the way an aligner fits. If you’ve recently had dental treatment, let your dentist know about the problem.

Don’t Skip Ahead, But Maybe Try “Backtracking”

If your current aligner doesn’t fit, don’t automatically move on to the next tray. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth from one specific position toward the next, and skipping an aligner could interfere with your treatment plan or make the next tray even more difficult to fit.

One course of action may be to “backtrack,” meaning wearing your previous aligner temporarily as your teeth may not be in the right position for your next series. But this cannot be emphasized enough: you should only do this after contacting your dentist and getting a recommendation from them to proceed with backtracking as a possible solution.

If All Else Fails, Give Your Provider a Call

If the aligner remains noticeably loose, doesn’t fully seat, has a large gap between the tray and your teeth, or causes significant discomfort, contact your dentist in a timely fashion.

They can determine whether your teeth have tracked as expected or whether something else is preventing the aligner from fitting correctly. In some situations, your provider may need to modify your treatment plan or provide a replacement aligner.

If your SureSmile aligner doesn’t fit, stop and check the fit, avoid forcing it, and contact your dental provider for personalized instructions. Your dentist is your best resource for determining why an aligner isn’t fitting and what you should do next.

About the Practice

Whether you need help with a current SureSmile issue or you’re interested in treatment, Broad Park Family Dentistry in Mansfield is here for you! Dr. Jeremy Rudd and Dr. Alysa Sadkin proudly offer discreet, removeable clear aligners to create beautiful smiles, along with many other services in a state-of-the-art facility. Contact us online or by phone at (817) 473-6857.