What if my clear aligners are not moving my teeth?

We understand that issues with aligners can sometimes occur during treatment. This guide will help you troubleshoot common problems and get back on track quickly and confidently.

1. Aligners Are Not Fitting Properly

Symptoms:

• Aligners feel loose or don’t “snap” into place.
• Visible gaps between the aligners and your teeth (picture above).
• Certain areas, like molars or front teeth, don’t engage fully with the aligner.

What to Do:

Use Chewies:

• Bite down on the provided chewies (provided in your box) for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day, focusing on areas where the aligner doesn’t fit.
• This helps seat the aligner more snugly on your teeth.

Check for Fit Progress:

• If the aligner still doesn’t fit after 3–5 days of consistent use with chewies, proceed to step 3.

Backtrack to the Previous Aligner:

• Wear the previous tray in the sequence for an additional 5–7 days.
• This allows your teeth to catch up before attempting the next tray again.

Contact NewSmile Support:

• If the aligner won’t fit even after backtracking, email photos of your teeth wearing the misfitting tray to team@newsmilelife.com or use the NewSmile form for support.

2. Aligners Are Too Tight or Painful

Symptoms:

• Significant discomfort or tightness when inserting a new aligner.
• The aligner feels like it doesn’t fit at all.

What to Do:

Don’t Force the Aligner:

• Forcing it into place can damage the aligner or cause gum irritation.

Wear the Previous Tray:

• Switch back to your previous aligner and wear it for 3–7 more days to allow your teeth to adjust further.

Gradual Wear of the New Aligner:

• Once your teeth have adjusted with the previous tray, try wearing the new aligner for short intervals (e.g., 2–3 hours at a time). Gradually increase wear time each day.

Use Chewies for Adjustment:

• As with fit issues, chewies can help ease the tight aligner into place more comfortably.

Contact Support If Pain Persists:

• If tightness or discomfort doesn’t subside after 2–3 days, reach out to NewSmile for guidance.

3. Teeth Are Not Moving as Planned

Symptoms:

• No noticeable progress after wearing aligners for the prescribed time.
• New trays don’t fit or feel misaligned.

What to Do:

Ensure Consistent Wear Time:

• Aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day.
• Missing wear time can slow or stop tooth movement.

Extend Wear Time:

• If a tray feels like it isn’t achieving progress, continue wearing it for an additional 7–10 days before advancing to the next tray.

Submit Progress Photos:

• Take clear photos of your teeth with the current aligner in place and send them to team@newsmilelife.com or upload them via the NewSmile app.
• NewSmile’s team may recommend refinements or adjustments to your plan.

4. Aligners Are Warped or Broken

Symptoms:

• Aligners no longer fit properly due to visible warping, bending, or cracks.
• Aligners feel loose after being exposed to heat or damage.

What to Do:

Switch Back to the Previous Aligner:

• Use your last good tray to maintain your current progress.

Request a Replacement Tray:

• As it turns out, we are unable to replace single sets and would need to refabricate the entire set if really needed.
  
• Provide details about the damaged tray, including its tray number and clear photos showing the bottom of the tray and your order number.

Prevent Future Damage:

• Avoid exposing aligners to hot water, heat sources, or improper handling.
• Always clean them with lukewarm water and mild soap.

5. Skipped or Lost Aligners

Symptoms:

• Accidentally skipped a step or misplaced your current aligner.

What to Do:

Return to the Previous Aligner:

• Wear the last tray you have for 7–10 days to maintain alignment while waiting for a replacement.

Contact NewSmile for Next Steps:

• Request help from NewSmile Support, providing your current stage and treatment details.

Organize Trays to Avoid Skipping Again:

• Keep trays labeled and stored in their carry case at all times and your unworn steps in a safe place (away from pets and heat).

6. General Troubleshooting Tips

• Take Progress Photos Every 2 Weeks: This allows you to track tooth movement and share updates with NewSmile’s team if needed.
• Keep All Previous Trays: Store old trays until treatment is complete in case you need to backtrack.
• Follow Daily Wear Time: Wear aligners for at least 20–22 hours a day for optimal results.

7. When to Contact NewSmile Support

Reach out to NewSmile if:

• Aligners consistently don’t fit after backtracking and using chewies.
• Progress stalls for more than 2–3 weeks (e.g., you wear your clear aligners for 2 weeks as directed, but there is no movement after another 2–3 weeks).
• You lose or damage 2 consecutive trays and need a replacement. We are unable replace single sets of trays, and would need to refabricate your entire set so you may continue with your treatment.
• If you experience severe discomfort or irritation, stop wearing your clear aligners immediately and see your local dentist (e.g., pain is unbearable with 7/10 or more in discomfort).

Contact Information:

• Email: team@newsmilelife.com
• Photo Upload: Upload progress photos and submit concerns through our upload link.