Should the Invisalign Tray Edges Be Sharp?

Question

I started my Invisalign treatment yesterday.Well yesterday, there were no gaps or edges sticking out. Today, the bottom tray has a small gap between my teeth because the edge has curved up and is kind of sharp. My tongue keeps rubbing against it and now has a painful blister, is there anything I can do with the tray so this doesn't keep happening?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

I don't see much problem with a nail file done at home. The effort is the same, whether it's with me or done by the patient.
Often it is the first few that feel this way, the tissues adapt and all future aligners feel fine.

Zach Casagrande, DDS, MS · Answer

They should not be
sharp but sometimes this can occur during the process of fabrication. If you
use a nail file, you can smooth down the edges very easily.

Rod Strober, DDS · Answer

Occasionally we will get an aligner that is sharper than it should be. It is simple to fix. Just bring it back to your dentist and ask them to polish off the sharp are. If this happens in futrue aligners make sure you tell your dentist and he can smooth them all out.

	If you can not get back to your dentist then very gently smooth the area with a fine nail file being careful not to crack or split the aligner.

Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, DMD · Answer

Invisalign trays are cut to be 1mm away from your gum line to avoid irritation. If the edge of the tray is touching your gum line you can take a cuticle siscor and clip the edge off and/or file the sharp edge down with a nail file until smooth. You should also do warm salt water rinses to clear up any gum irritation and lightly massage the area with your finger to promote blood flow to the region. The first couple of trays does take some getting use to. If you have the same problem with your next aligner you should talk to your doctor.

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS · Answer

If you can pinpoint the exact spot where the tray is bothering you, I would say you can take a nail file and polish it out. Your dentist may suggest otherwise, so you might want to talk the him first. If it were me, I would let you smooth it out.

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Should the Invisalign Tray Edges Be Sharp?

Answers (9)

Answer: Smoothing sharp edges on a Inivsalign tray and treating gum irritation

Answer: Smoothing sharp edges on a Inivsalign tray and treating gum irritation

Answer: Adjusting Invisalign retainers to help the gums

Answer: Adjusting Invisalign retainers to help the gums

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.