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Is it normal for Invisalign buttons to feel jagged and to really hurt the inside of the mouth? Does it get better?

When I went for my consult, I was shown a model of a mouth with a set of Invisalign trays containing tiny, circular buttons, which I thought were no big deal. The buttons I received are considerably bigger, are jagged, and very sharp. They clip my mouth when I eat causing large canker sores to form. I also have sores from the edges of the trays in my mouth and tongue. I have to talk a lot for work, which exacerbates the pain. Is this normal? Is my dentist incompetent? What can I do?

Doctor Answers 3

Jagged Buttons

November 2nd, 2016
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speak to your dentist, they should be able to smooth the sharp edges. 

 The other thing, the more you put your trays on and off, the smoother those edges will get. 

 Your dentist knows what he or she is doing, just communicate with him or her! 

Charles Briscoe, DDS


La Jolla Dentist

November 2nd, 2016

Jagged Buttons

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

speak to your dentist, they should be able to smooth the sharp edges. 

 The other thing, the more you put your trays on and off, the smoother those edges will get. 

 Your dentist knows what he or she is doing, just communicate with him or her! 


La Jolla Dentist

Invisalign Buttons Causing Pain

November 2nd, 2016
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As a licensed Invisalign provider, I would suggest going back to your dentist or orthodontist as quickly as possible. Although Invisalign buttons are meant to hold your aligners in place, they should not be jagged, cause discomfort or pain. Your Invisalign provider may be able to swap out the buttons for something that is more manageable and comfortable. Good luck!

Michael Fulbright, DDS

Michael Fulbright, DDS
Redondo Beach Dentist

November 2nd, 2016

Invisalign Buttons Causing Pain

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

As a licensed Invisalign provider, I would suggest going back to your dentist or orthodontist as quickly as possible. Although Invisalign buttons are meant to hold your aligners in place, they should not be jagged, cause discomfort or pain. Your Invisalign provider may be able to swap out the buttons for something that is more manageable and comfortable. Good luck!

Michael Fulbright, DDS
Redondo Beach Dentist

Invisalign buttons can be sharp, but covered by the aligners

November 2nd, 2016
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There are many sizes and shapes to the buttons used with Invisalign cases.  However, the aligners cover them up, so they don't feel sharp when wearing the trays.  The only time you might feel them is during meals, but it shouldn't be significant.

Web reference: http://www.DrTimmerman.com/braces

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD
November 2nd, 2016

Invisalign buttons can be sharp, but covered by the aligners

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

There are many sizes and shapes to the buttons used with Invisalign cases.  However, the aligners cover them up, so they don't feel sharp when wearing the trays.  The only time you might feel them is during meals, but it shouldn't be significant.

Learn more: http://www.DrTimmerman.com/braces

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.