What can I do about the gap between the aligners and teeth? (Photo)

Question

I have a gap between my aligners and my teeth. I’ve worn my aligners for a week (recommended my smile direct club) and I switched to my second week aligners and now I have a gap. I’m not sure what to do.

Doug Jopling, DDS · Answer

Looks like you are going to have problems if this is going on. try biting on a cotton roll or something rubbery/chewy for 15 minute intervals twice per day for 7 days.If it does not settle in after trying this, you are not likely to get the results you are hoping for unfortunately.

Jennifer L. Buren, DDS, MS · Answer

The first thing you can try is to continue wearing your #1 aligner for another week, making sure that you're wearing it 22+ hours per day.  You can also try gently biting down or "chewing" on the end of your toothbrush in that area for a few minutes each time you put the aligner in to ensure it is fully engaging these teeth.  Be sure that you are able to easily slide floss between each tooth; sometimes tartar can build up in the area and essentially "glue" 2 teeth together.
If after trying these tips you're still not seeing the aligner fit better, stop progressing through your aligners and contact Smile Direct Club.  If these teeth are not "tracking" this early in treatment, it will not improve and will likely just get worse as you continue through the set.  One of the problems with "at home" orthodontics is that your progress is not being monitored by a doctor, and this is just one of the many reasons why monitoring is important!  I'm not familiar with the SDC "warranty" or customer service protocols, but there should be some way for you remedy the situation.  Whether it's to make a new set of aligners, they may be able to arrange for you to see a doctor, or possibly to discontinue the SDC aligners and seek treatment with an orthodontist who has experience using aligners.  
Best of luck to you, I hope this helps you get to the beautiful smile you've been wanting!

What can I do about the gap between the aligners and teeth? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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.

What can I do about the gap between the aligners and teeth? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

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.