Does my Invisalign have a tear? Or could my teeth be moving? (Photo)

Question

I'm not sure if it can be seen well from the picture, but the part of the Invisalign that is covering the right tooth is a little lifted and it is scraping my gums. I would like to know if it could be a tear or if it could be due to my teeth moving? This is just the third day of treatment with Invisalign. If it is a tear, can this stop the Invisalign from working properly or at all?

Supriya Verma, DMD, FAGD · Answer

It is difficult to see what your saying from the picture you provided but It is possible that the tray is scraping your gums and the aligner needs to be smoothed or reduced in that area.  If there is a tear then it is best to ask your dentist what should be done. Sometimes tears happen when it is difficult to take the aligner in and out due to the crowding and attachments.  It is best to be gently and find the easiest way to remove the aligner without force.  It is usually the force that will cause it to tear.  Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

Fortunately tears in the plastic are pretty easy to recognize if you look closely. I cannot tell from the photograph that you submitted. If an aligner tears, it cannot be worn because it moves the teeth in random direction and subsequent aligners will not fit. If the aligner does not seat over the attachments properly, it must be pushed harder with finger pressure, and if it still does not seat, then you must see your dentist because without engaging the attachments, it will not move the teeth.

Does my Invisalign have a tear? Or could my teeth be moving? (Photo)

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Does my Invisalign have a tear? Or could my teeth be moving? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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