Help please - How do I deal with sharp tray edges?

By invisalign77 on 27 Jul 2011

I have a pointy piece of plastic on my tray that is cutting into my cheek. Any suggestions on how to fix. This is my first tray and I don't think I can do 2 weeks like this Thanks!

Comments (10)

BAgirl 17 May 2012

Use a cardboard nail file and file the hell out of them. One shouldn't gave to do that-they should come smooth!

Xtine 17 May 2012

I just got my first set of aligners yesterday. It's been a day and a half and I'm ready to stop this whole process. My top lip is all torn up inside and my tongue is blistered. On top of that I have a headache that won't go away. How long will it be before I feel like throwing these things in the trash?

Megan P (Community Manager) 17 May 2012

Eek, well it sounds like you are pretty close to that point right now - but don't do it!! ;) Most people say the first week or two can be pretty rough, then it smooths out from there so until then have you tried the other suggestions on this thread, like using an emery board to smooth the edges of the tray, or lining them with orthodontic wax so they are more cushioned from your tissue?

ChazM 20 Oct 2011

I got my first tray last Thursday and after about 3-4 days the trays stopped cutting under my tongue. Just wait it out

Megan P (Community Manager) 19 Oct 2011

A new patch was just unveiled at the ADA meeting - it sounds like something that could really help with mouth sores. Click here to read an article about it. I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried this!

invisalign77 9 Aug 2011

Thanks! My dentist recommended the wax so I used that until I got fed up and broke out the nail file :) I am now 2 weeks in and doing pretty good!

Becky K 8 Aug 2011

I was having a similar problem, and read a suggestion of using the wax for traditional braces (I picked up GUM mint ortho wax). It has worked great! Good Luck!

Megan P (Community Manager) 8 Aug 2011

That is a good tip! Did you end up having the tray edge smoothed out, or did the wax work well enough to get you through to the next set of trays?

Megan P (Community Manager) 27 Jul 2011

This seems to be a pretty common problem. Click here to go to our Q&A section where dentists have given their advice on how to deal with this.

I've heard some pretty resourceful solutions from other community members, including one person who used her Pedi Paws (electric dog nail trimmer) to smooth the rough edges.

Anyone else have good suggestions please add them. The more options the better!