See Also: Aligner Wear and Tear , Tracking Issues.
Handling Insertion Appointment
Watch this video to learn how to handle the insertion appointment:
Because of the tight fit of Orthosnap clear aligners, you and your patients may experience difficulties when trying to insert them, especially if it's their first time or if the teeth are flaring or proclining.
If you have difficulty inserting the aligners, try the following:
Check the origin tray on the origin model
The origin tray on the origin model shows the ideal path of insertion. Origin Aligners are just thermoforms of the patient’s base model and have no movements.
If it fits the model: step #1 should fit the patient.
If it doesn’t fit the model: there may be a manufacturing issue.
If it fits the model but not the patient: there may be an impression issue.
Try Different Insertion Techniques
Front to Back - Most helpful for excessively proclined (tipped) or crowded anterior teeth.
Back to Front - Best when all teeth are relatively upright.
Side to Side - Most helpful with excessively inclined posterior teeth. Do not use the patient's teeth to bite the aligner into place.
Anterior then buccal or lingual - This technique is most helpful for teeth that are flared either buccally or lingually. The idea is to insert the most difficult area first, and then the remainder of the aligner should easily snap into place.
Anteriors Inverted - Example when anteriors are inverted, making it seem like the posterior section of the aligner is too wide:
Time and Pressure
If the patient can seat the aligners but not fully, remind them that aligners start moving teeth within the first 20–60 minutes. It’s normal for them to feel tight or create pressure at first. Have the patient stay in the waiting area, give them a chewie, and ask them to bite every few minutes — this usually helps the aligners fully seat.
For more on chewing exercises, here’s a great article from Dr. Melissa Bailey (not affiliated with Orthosnap, we just like her content!).
💡 TIP: You can find chewies at shop.orthosnap.com.
If the patient can’t remove aligners:
The first 24 hours may feel like braces. Keep aligners on overnight, eat a soft meal or smoothie, take Advil or Tylenol, and try again in the morning. If problems persist, return to the practice.
Something to Consider with New Aligners
If a new aligner feels too tight, the patient may not be ready. Have them wear the previous aligner for 24 hours, or an extra week or two if already in treatment, so teeth can adjust.
Aligners may feel snug at first but will loosen as teeth move. They fit perfectly when they snap into place.
If you have further issues, please contact us immediately.
Related Topics and Information:
Click to learn more about Aligner Wear and Tear and Tracking Issues.
If you have questions or need to speak with someone at Orthosnap, please reach out to us at support@orthosnap.com.