Why Doesn't Invisalign Smooth the Tray Edges?

I would love to know why the edges are not smoother. I feel this represents the product. I have 2 canker sores on the inside of my lower lip. I feel this is a quality control issue that should be looked into by the company. Why must we wittle away at our trays with a nail file when we paid $5,000 for a finished product.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (2)

Tray edge sharpness on Invisalign

We periodically have a problem with sharp trays but it has been minor, and we have always been able to smooth the border with an emery board. If the borders of multiple trays are extremely rough there may be a manufacturing problem or a distorted impression may have caused an incorrect set of trays to be created. Talk to your dentist and have him call Invisalign to trouble shoot. They have always been very concerned and helpful in fixing any problems. ... more

Definitely part of mass manufacturing but also due initial fit

We definitely hear that the edges of the aligners can be slightly uncomfortable for out patients. The issue is that if they are rounded off, they would likely have to be thicker. Due to the angles at which pressure may need to be applied, the aligners may not be sitting right up against the teeth at the start of an aligner, but may change position as the teeth move. No matter what, so long as there is some kind of step between the gums, teeth, and aligner, you will likely... more

Rough edges

There is 2 options to fix the problem. Your dentist either smooths the margins with a special tool or if he or she cannot fix it, it needs to be sent back to the manufacturer to have the aligners reprocessed.

Rough Invisalign trays are rare

We have not had this complaint very often, if ever, but when it does happen it is likely a factor of the aligners being mass produced. The majority of the manufacturing is automated, so human hands aren't involved very much. On the rare exception that they are rough, the simple solution is to take an emory board or the like and adjust. Great care should be taken so as to not weaken the aligner, but minor contouring should be safe. If a part of quality control included... more

Invisalign trays are rough

Invisalign trays are manufactured with computer technology to assure your teeth will move to a new position. Since this is done with machines, you may have arough edge on a tray. We have found this to be rare. Your dentist can polish any rough edges you may feel.

Not Usually an Issue

It is not uncommon for areas of minor irritation to develop especially when a new tray is placed. As was mentioned by Dr. Tam, simply filing the area gently with a nail file should help to alleviate the problem. If you are not comfortable with that, then return to your dentist for an adjustment. Unfortunately the trays are too thin to roll the edges so occasionally an irritation results from a sharp area that is not flush with the tooth. I have found that in most... more

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Comments (2)

Selene11417 29 Jan 2013

I am concerned with the health of my mouth, and although I want straight teeth, and spent lots of $ so far, I want to make sure that the aligners flaws will not affect me. Any advise on: 1. Will the sharp edges and constant cutting and hitting of the aligner will affect my taste buds? 2. How safe is having this plastic in my mouth 24/7? 3. Will my teeth fall out with all the pulling out of the aligners? 4. Will the increased brushing and flossing damage my enamel or gums? Please, please, all advice and peace of mind is welcomed!

Peggy K, 9 Aug 2012

All these dentists say it isn't a problem They have obviously never stuck these razor blades in their own mouths. The trays are not deburred or polished. Taking an emery board to them is not the correct answer. Invisalign needs better quality control.

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