Clear aligners like Spark™ offer a comfortable, nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth – but only if they fit properly. When aligners aren’t snug or seem like they’re popping off in the back, it can affect your treatment progress.
Whether you’re asking yourself, “Why is my aligner not fitting on one tooth?” or “Why are my aligners not fitting at all?” you’re in the right place.
In this post, our Brooklyn orthodontist, Dr. Ankush Khanna, shares what to do if your aligners are not fitting, how they should fit, and when to reach out for help.
How Are Aligners Supposed to Fit?
Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s talk about how aligners are supposed to fit. Whether you’re using Spark Aligners or another clear aligner system, each tray should be snug against your teeth with no really noticeable gaps. When you first start wearing a new tray, very small spaces between the aligner and teeth are normal. These close as your teeth shift into the desired position.
So, should aligners fit perfectly? Not immediately. But after a few days of consistent wear (at least 20-22 hours per day), they should hug the contours of your teeth without any gaps.
Reasons for Aligners Not Fitting
If your Spark aligner doesn’t fit, it could be because:
- You Just Switched Trays
When you change to a new set of aligners, the tooth movements programmed into the aligners haven’t occurred yet. Your aligners will probably feel tight and, occasionally, there can be tiny spaces where your teeth will be shifting. While mild soreness is a sign your aligners are working, you should never feel any serious or sharp pain. If you do, contact your orthodontist. - You’re Not Wearing Them Enough
Your Spark Aligner treatment plan is based on 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. If you haven’t been wearing them for the full amount of time, your teeth won’t move at the correct pace, and it’s likely your aligners will not fit properly. - Your Aligners are Warped or Damaged
Exposure to hot water or heat (like leaving your aligners in a hot car) can warp the plastic, affecting the fit. Even a small change in shape can throw off how the aligner seats on your teeth. - Your Attachments Are Missing or Worn
Tooth-colored attachments help guide tooth movements by providing leverage for your aligners. If one falls off or wears down, your aligner might not track properly. - Your Teeth Are Moving Differently Than Anticipated
Spark Aligners work by exerting steady, gentle pressure that stimulates a biological process known as bone remodeling. The teeth-supporting bone breaks down, allowing the teeth to move where directed. Eventually, new bone forms, securing your teeth in their new positions.
As with any natural process, there can be individual differences, meaning your teeth may move more quickly or slowly than planned. If that’s the case, it’s an easy fix. Dr. Khanna will simply have you change your aligners more frequently or wear each set for longer, depending on your needs.
What to Do if Your Aligners Are Not Fitting
If you feel like your aligner is not fitting on one tooth or your top or bottom aligners are not fitting at all, don’t panic! Contact your orthodontist to let them know what’s going on, and try these tips to get things back on track:
- Do Your Chewing Exercises
Aligner chewies, often called Invisalign® chewies, are soft, squishy cylinders that help seat your aligners correctly. Biting on them improves contact between the aligner and your teeth, promoting good aligner tracking.In addition to aligner chews, there are also Movemints. These work in the same way as the chewies but have the added bonus of freshening your breath and tasting good.How to Use Invisalign Chewies or Movemints:- Put your clear aligners in.
- Place the chewy or Movemint between your upper and lower teeth.
- Bite and hold for about 5 seconds, then release.
- Move it around to different areas until you’ve addressed every tooth. You might have to bite and hold a few times in spots where there are gaps.
- Repeat for 10-15 minutes a day for the first few days after starting a new tray, ideally in the morning and before bed.
- Try Squeezing the Aligner Gently
If your aligner feels like it’s popping off the back teeth, gently remove it and squeeze the sides to slightly narrow the opening. Reinsert it and follow up with your chewies or aligner mints. - Stay Consistent With Wear
Wearing your aligners less than 22 hours a day is one of the most common reasons for poor fit. Be sure to wear them as directed, only removing them to eat, drink (anything besides plain still water), and brush/floss. If you have trouble remembering to wear your aligners, set an alarm on your phone whenever you take them out to remind you to put them back in. - Attend Your Checkups During Treatment
While Spark Aligners don’t need to be tightened like braces, you’ll still have regular checkups throughout your treatment. These visits let Dr. Khanna monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to keep you on schedule.
Still Not Fitting? Fresh Orthodontics Can Help
If you’re wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day, you’ve tried chewing exercises, and you’ve been going to your checkups, but your aligners are still not fitting correctly, it may boil down to your treatment plan.
It’s always best to see a certified specialist in orthodontics for any type of orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. After dental school, orthodontists complete two years of additional specialty training focused solely on diagnosing, preventing, and treating abnormalities of the teeth and jaw.
If you’re concerned about your aligner treatment or you’re unhappy with the results after trying an at-home clear aligner service, schedule a consultation at Fresh Orthodontics in Brooklyn. Dr. Khanna has advanced expertise in Spark Aligners and offers second opinions.
Book a Consultation With a Top Brooklyn Spark Aligner Provider
If your Spark aligners don’t fit or you’re worried about your aligner tracking, schedule a second opinion by calling us at 347-708-9777. Or if you haven’t started treatment yet, book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Khanna. At Fresh Orthodontics, we’re here to make sure your clear aligners work as hard as you do!
