Invisalign question...or two.

[Crush]

Hi all,

First time poster, long time forum lurker . Just began my Invisalign treatment last week when I picked up my first set of trays, and had just a couple questions/concerns I thought I'd throw out to those more experienced Invisalign users, at least until I can contact my ortho's office...I apologize in advance for the lengthy first post.

1) There is a noticeable gap between 3 of my upper front teeth and the bottom of the aligner (basically it doesn't sit flush). The Ortho assistant that helped me put them on gave me a set of aligner chewies and recommended munching on them for 2-4 hrs over the first couple of days to ensure the gap would close and the aligner fit snug. However, it's been around 4 days now and the gap doesn't seem to have diminished much, if at all, even after all the chewing. Should I be concerned about this and/or hold off on wearing the aligner until I can contact my Ortho about it?

2) After the initial impressions were taken, the Ortho assured me he would make an attempt to treat without having to extract any teeth, but upon picking up the first set of trays, I noticed one of the lower front incisors had been removed from the aligner mold (that doesn't seem like an attempt to me). I guess I'm a bit nervous, not only about the possible symmetry issue from having just 1 tooth removed, but also that it's in a more noticeable position. Has anyone here had a lower front incisor removed, and do you have any thoughts or words of wisdom regarding the extraction?

I know I have a severe crowding problem both on top and bottom, and I'm confident the orthodontist knows what he's doing, but the feeling of finality that accompanies the removing of a tooth has me a bit worried.

Regards,
Crush

[Sunny]

Hi and welcome Crush!

Maybe a call to your ortho's office will help your peace of mind and discuss the placement of your aligner. If you've been using the chewies, you should expect the aligner to be seated correctly now. Is there a possibility that the teeth that aren't in the aligner properly need to move down?

Having a single tooth removed is a good way to gain space for crowded teeth. I understand your issue with symmetry, but unless you are holding your teeth closed with your lips wide open, it shouldn't be noticed. Most natural smiles show only one arch ... so please don't be worried about that. Do talk to your ortho about this possibility though, as this is something that should be discussed with you, so that you understand the reasoning behind such a recommendation.

Good luck!

[Crush]

Hey Sunny,

I appreciate the reply. I did have a quick pop-in visit to the ortho today, and he said that the gap is to be expected in my case, due to the severity of the crowding and the fact that the teeth do indeed have to move down. He said it might even increase with other trays, but assured me that as long as I'm using the chewies a little each day and wearing the aligners like I should, I have no reason to worry.

As for the extraction, he said it was the best way to gain space and that the symmetry of the teeth wouldn't change much. He showed me the clincheck and if the treatment goes as planned, the extraction didn't show any adverse effects, none that I noticed anyways (knock on wood).

Again, thanks for the reply, and I'm sure you'll see me around. I'm in for a long hall without a doubt: 50 aligners for top and bottom.

Here's to a better smile...in 2 years,
Crush

[Sunny]

Great you visited your ortho, as it's always good to get reassurance from the person who is treating your teeth! Good luck!

[EmeraldCastrol]

My top aligners don't sit flush either and I have a crowding problem with my top teeth also. I've brought this up with my orthodontist but he says its alright as long as the aligners are tight and he does check them regularly to make sure they are. I have a long time of it too - almost 30 aligners for top and bottom. I also wear them a bit longer than the 2 weeks. Usually 3 weeks because my compliance isn't that good and I hate the pain associated with swapping aligners too quickly. And in the last few days of my alginer sets I will sometimes drink (alcohol - if I have a party to go to) because I know that they'll be replaced soon...