You have to wear Invisalign for a long time and face various issues during this time. One of these problems is Invisalign gets bent.
In this article, I’ll discuss why Invisalign becomes bent and how to fix it.
Can Invisalign bend?
Sometimes Invisalign can become bent due to improper handling or lack of care for the aligners. It can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. However, it doesn’t happen often and is usually not a big deal.
Why does Invisalign bend?
There are a few reasons why Invisalign can become bent.
1. The material they made of
The most common reason is that the aligners are made of soft material to give you comfort while wearing them. However, this means that they can get bent if they’re not handled carefully.
2. Not handling them properly
Invisalign should be handled with care. If you’re not careful with them, they can become bent.
For example, if you drop them or put them in your pocket, they can become bent.
3. Defective Invisalign trays
Another reason why Invisalign can become bent is because of the way they’re made.
Sometime, you may get a defective aligner. This is because the aligners are created using a 3D printing process, which can sometimes cause them to warp.
4. Wearing them for too long
Another reason why Invisalign can become bent is that you’re wearing them for too long.
Invisalign is meant to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. If you wear them for more than that, they can become bent.
5. Biting the trays in place
If you bite down on your Invisalign aligners in place, this can cause them to become bent.
Biting on the trays in place puts pressure on them and can cause them to warp out of shape.
6. Poor inserting technique
If you don’t put your Invisalign incorrectly, this might also cause the aligners to become bent.
This is because when you don’t know how to insert the aligners correctly in your mouth, you may end up putting pressure on them.
7. Wrong removal technique
The final reason why Invisalign can become bent is that you’re removing them incorrectly.
This can happen when you remove your Invisalign aligners with force instead of pushing them out from the back of your mouth gently.
8. No taking care of the aligners
Invisalign can also become bent if you don’t clean them properly. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly or if you don’t remove the aligners when you eat, they can start to collect plaque and bacteria. This can cause them to bend out of shape.
9. Poor storage
If you don’t store your Invisalign aligners properly like storing them in a case, this can also cause this problem.
10. Chewing gum with Invisalign in
If you chew gum with Invisalign in, Invisalign can get bent.
When you chew gum, you’re putting pressure on the aligners. This may lead them to become misshapen and distorted.
11. Not using aligner removal tools
If you try to remove your Invisalign aligners without using the proper tools, this can cause them to become folded or bent.
The aligner removal tools are designed to help you remove your aligners without damaging them.
How to prevent Invisalign from bending?
There are a few things you can do to prevent Invisalign from becoming bent.
1. Handle them with care
The first thing you need to do is to handle your Invisalign aligners with care. Be careful when you’re putting them in and taking them out of your mouth.
2. Don’t drop them
Another thing you need to do is to make sure you don’t drop them. If you do, they can become bent.
3. Don’t put them in your pocket
Another thing you need to do is to make sure you don’t put them in your pocket. If you do, they can become bent and distorted.
4. Insert them correctly
You need to insert your Invisalign aligners correctly so that you don’t put pressure on them.
Always begin with your front teeth and work your way backward while inserting your aligner.
Apply little pressure to the aligners as you place them on each tooth one at a time.
Push harder to ensure that the tray is properly seated when it has been entirely covered by your teeth with the tray.
After that, you should use Invisalign chewies o ensure they are seated properly.
5. Remove them gently
When you remove your Invisalign aligners, do it gently from the back of your mouth instead of yanking them out. Try to take it off from both sides instead of one side.
You should start by using your index finger and your thumb to push the aligner up from the back of your mouth.
After that, you can use your tongue to help you remove the aligner from the front of your mouth.
You should use Invisalign removal tools to make this process easy and prevent any damage.
6. Don’t bite down on the trays
When you’re putting your Invisalign aligners in place, don’t bite down on them.
7. Store them properly
When you’re not wearing your Invisalign, store them in a case to prevent them from becoming bent or wrapped.
8. Follow the 22-hours rule
Make sure you wear your Invisalign for not more than 22 hours a day to prevent them from becoming bent.
9. Clean them regularly
You need to clean your Invisalign aligners regularly to prevent this from happening.
10. Don’t eat and brush with Invisalign in
You should take your Invisalign out before you eat and brush your teeth afterward.
11. Don’t chew gum with Invisalign in
If you want to chew gum, take your Invisalign aligners out first. Chewing gum with Invisalign can cause them to become bent.
How to fix a bent Invisalign?
If your Invisalign is bent, there’s no need to worry. There are a few easy ways to fix it.
The first thing you can do is use your fingers to try to gently push the aligner back into place.
- If that doesn’t work, you can use something like a toothpick or a cotton swab.
- If the aligner is still not going back into place, you can try soaking it in warm water for a few minutes. This will help to soften the material and make it easier to shape.
- Once the Invisalign is in the correct position, you can put it back in your mouth and continue wearing it as usual.
- You can always ask your orthodontist for help if you can’t figure out how to fix a bent Invisalign. They’ll be able to tell you how to fix it in a more specific way.
What happens if your Invisalign bends?
If your Invisalign becomes bent, it can not be fitted properly on your teeth and making the treatment less effective. It can also cause pain and discomfort. Moreover, you might not be able put them on at all.
Sometimes, Invisalign can cut your tongue, cheek, lips, or gums even if you are able to put them on your teeth forcefully.
Moreover, the Invisalign tray can get broken or cracked.
However, it’s not a big issue. In most cases, you’ll be able to fix it yourself. If you’re having difficulties, you can always seek assistance from your orthodontist.
How can you tell if Invisalign is warped or bent?
The best way to tell if your Invisalign is warped or bent is to look at it closely. If you see that the aligner is no longer sitting flush against your teeth, it’s likely that it’s warped.
Another way to tell if Invisalign is warped is to try putting it in your mouth. If it doesn’t fit correctly or if it’s uncomfortable, it’s probably because the aligner is warped.
If you’re still not sure, you can always talk to your orthodontist for help. They’ll be able to tell you for sure whether or not your Invisalign is warped.
Takeaways
Bent Invisalign is not a common problem, but it can happen. As Invisalign trays are made of soft material, they can be bent if you don’t handle them properly or don’t take care of them.
It can also happen due to faulty aligners, biting the trays in place, incorrect insertion, and removal techniques, poor storage, or eating with trays in the mouth.
There are a few easy ways to fix it if it does happen. If you’re having trouble fixing a bent Invisalign, you can always contact your orthodontist for help.
Pallab Kishore is a certified dentist and the owner of Orthodontic Braces Care.
He completed BDS in 2014. Now, he is an MS resident in Orthodontics, BSMMU. He likes content writing and has 12+ years of experience in blogging.