Can Invisalign Trays Be Adjusted?

Invisalign has become an extremely popular choice for adults looking to straighten their teeth. The clear, removable aligners allow you to achieve the smile you want discreetly and comfortably. However, some patients wonder if the Invisalign trays can be adjusted during treatment if necessary.

At Lansdowne Family Dental, we receive this question often. Below we will discuss:

An overview of how Invisalign works
Reasons why your Invisalign trays may need adjustment
How we can adjust Invisalign aligners during treatment
The process of adjusting Invisalign trays
FAQs about adjusting Invisalign aligners

Can Invisalign Trays Be Adjusted?

Yes, Invisalign trays can be adjusted during treatment if necessary. There are several reasons why your Invisalign trays may need adjustment, such as if your teeth do not move as expected, new gaps form, uncomfortable pressure points develop, attachments fall off, or if you require new elastic bands to further move your teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place over time. Each set of aligners moves your teeth incrementally until you reach the final position your dentist has mapped out.

You wear each set of aligners for approximately 1-2 weeks
You replace them with the next set in the series, moving your teeth further
Most people require between 18-30 sets of aligners over their entire Invisalign treatment

The aligners are nearly invisible so most people won’t even know you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign.

When Might Your Invisalign Trays Need Adjustment?

In some cases, you may require an adjustment to your Invisalign trays during treatment. Reasons this might happen include:

Your teeth do not move as expected in response to the aligners
New gaps form due to the teeth shifting
Uncomfortable pressure points develop in particular areas of the aligners
Attachments fall off which helps the aligners grip certain teeth
You require new elastic bands to further move your teeth

Rather than order entirely new sets of aligners, we can sometimes adjust the ones you currently wear to optimize comfort, fit, and progress.

To schedule your Invisalign treatment in Ashburn, Leesburg, or Lansdowne, VA, choose Lansdowne Family Dental for quality dental care. We offer various dental services with a patient-centric approach. Start your dental journey with us. Contact us!

How Can Invisalign Aligners Be Adjusted?

There are a few ways we can modify your existing Invisalign trays:

Reshaping: We can carefully reshape specific areas of the aligners creating more space or reducing pressure on certain teeth
Attaching composites: Small tooth-colored composite attachments can be added to your teeth and then fitted into the aligners for better grip and control of tooth movement
Using rubber bands/elastics: Interarch elastics may be hooked onto attachments or buttons on your aligners to help certain teeth shift into position
Filling gaps: If gaps start forming between your teeth during treatment, we can fill them in with the same material used to make the aligners for a better fit
Replacing attachments: If an attachment falls off a tooth, we can replace it so the aligner can properly grip and move that tooth again

What Does the Invisalign Adjustment Process Look Like?

Getting your Invisalign aligners adjusted is quick and easy. No new impressions or waiting weeks for new aligners to arrive.

Here is how it works:

Come in and point out problem areas you are experiencing with aligner fit or comfort. We will examine your teeth and note any movement issues.
Depending on the adjustments needed, we will either reshape, add composites or elastics, replace attachments, etc. right away to modify the aligner fit.
You get to keep wearing your current aligners with the adjustments made. Most adjustments provide immediate relief.
Continue changing to your next aligner on schedule unless told otherwise.

There is typically no recovery needed. You simply pop your aligners back in and go about your day more comfortably!

FAQs: Adjusting Invisalign Aligners

Here are answers to some common questions about adjusting Invisalign trays during treatment:

How long do adjustments take?

Most Invisalign aligner adjustments can be done during your regular appointment time. Anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on what needs adjustment. No waiting weeks for new aligners.

Can adjustments fix my Invisalign treatment if progress stalls?

Yes, adjustments help get your teeth back on track if movement stalls so you stay on schedule. Reshaping and elastics can give specific teeth the extra nudge they need.

Do adjustments hurt?

Not at all! No pain is involved, just improved comfort and fit.

How often can aligners be adjusted?

As needed throughout treatment. Some patients require one or two adjustments. Others need more depending on how teeth shift. We closely monitor your progress and make tweaks along the way as necessary.

Do adjustments impact treatment length or success?

Nope! Adjustments are made to improve aligner performance and timing. Without adjustments, stalled treatment could mean ordering more aligner sets and extending total treatment time.