Invisalign troubleshooting guide
Most of our patients enjoy a seamless Invisalign journey but rest assured, if you do encounter any problems, we’re always here to help.
We can tackle most issues quickly and easily over the phone. Occasionally, we’ll need to invite you into the practice, so we can take a closer look.
There are no hidden charges for emergency appointments. Everything’s included in the cost of your braces.
To help you troubleshoot minor problems from home, we’ve put together the following advice. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
You’ve lost your Invisalign aligners
If your aligners are MIA, don’t worry. Start wearing your previous set and give us a call. Depending on how long you wore your lost aligners for, you may be able to move straight on to your next set.
(Store your aligners in their case when you take them out to eat, drink and brush.)
Your aligners are rubbing your tongue or cheeks
Sometimes a new aligner can irritate your tongue or the inside of your cheeks. Your mouth should quickly adapt, but in the meantime, an ulcer gel such as Bonjela can help.
If your aligner has a sharp edge that’s causing you discomfort, you can try using a nail file to carefully smooth it out. Otherwise, contact us and we’ll adjust it for you.
Your aligners are making your teeth ache
Your teeth may ache for a day or two when you start wearing a new set of aligners. We recommend sticking to softer foods for a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol if needed.
You’ve developed a lisp
Some patients experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing their aligners. Your tongue may take a few days to adjust, but the more you speak, the quicker you’ll be back to normal.
You have bad breath
If you’re experiencing bad breath, you may need to step up your brushing routine. Make sure you’re following your orthodontist’s advice, and always keep your teeth clean underneath your aligners.
If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, swish some water around or chew gum before popping your aligners back in. Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you whenever you can.
You have excess saliva
Again, this is a side effect of something new in your mouth. Keep wearing your aligners, and it should quickly improve.
You can’t remove your aligners
We’ll show you how to take your aligners in and out correctly. However, you may find certain sets more challenging to manoeuvre than others. Once you’ve taken them in and out a few times, they should become slightly looser and easier to manage.
Tip: put your new aligners in just before bed. They should be easier to remove by morning.
An attachment has fallen off
If an Invisalign attachment falls off, don’t panic (even if you accidentally swallow it). Contact the practice, and we’ll arrange an appointment to replace it if necessary. Continue wearing your aligners in the meantime.
You’ve forgotten to wear your aligners
It’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours every day. Otherwise, you could prolong your treatment, or your teeth could start to relapse. If we don’t catch this quickly, we may need to take scans for new aligners, or even restart your treatment.
You’re not happy with your results
If you’re approaching your final set of aligners, and you’re unhappy about the position of your teeth, there’s no need to worry.
Sometimes, to get the best results, we need to take new scans for additional aligners. This is known as the ‘refinement stage’, and it’s usually included in the cost of your treatment.