When it comes to straightening out a smile, Invisalign has become very popular for its discreet appearance. You wear these clear, removable aligners to gently move your teeth into proper alignment. However, many people wonder, “Does Invisalign hurt?” Like traditional braces, they may cause some discomfort when you first start treatment and when switching to a new set. The good news is that dealing with the soreness is easy with these five simple tips!
1.) Keep Your New Aligners In
In order to stay on track with your teeth straightening, you will have to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This will help ensure that you don’t have any delays to your treatment timeline, but also ensure that your mouth can adjust to the new oral appliance. It may take a week or two to fully get used to them and not feel discomfort.
2.) Drink Cold Water
A great way to help reduce soreness with your Invisalign trays is by drinking cold water. This will help soothe the muscles in your mouth and provide some quick relief. If your teeth are sensitive to cold items, then you can also place a cold compress on your cheek for 10- to 15-minute intervals.
3.) Have Dental Wax Handy
If the edges of your clear aligners are irritating your gums and tongue, then using dental wax can be helpful. This will create a barrier between your oral tissues and rough edges. Roll up a small ball of wax and gently mold it against the areas causing you discomfort.
However, if you are having consistent issues with your trays, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can check the fit of the aligners and make sure that there are no issues, letting the treatment be as comfortable as possible.
4.) Stick to Soft Foods Initially
Since your teeth are moved with a constant, gentle pressure, they’ll likely feel sore at first. It can cause some discomfort when you eat crunchy or chewy foods, so it’s recommended to eat soft foods at first. Some tasty options are smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. These don’t require much chewing, so you can give your teeth a little break.
That being said, this is only temporary! You don’t have to eat soft foods the entire time while getting the treatment; once you are adjusted, you can switch back to your regular diet.
5.) Take Pain Relievers
To deal with some discomfort, sometimes all it takes is using some over-the-counter medications! Always follow the instructions that are printed on the label or talk to your dentist if you feel unsure about what to do.
Feeling discomfort when adjusting to your new aligners is normal. It will take a couple of weeks to get fully used to them, but by following these tips, you can enjoy smooth sailing sooner!
About the Practice
At Buda Dental Professionals, you benefit from a team of experienced dentists who look out for you and your oral health. They want your orthodontic treatment to be as comfortable as possible by providing Invisalign clear aligners. We create a treatment plan that’s customized to you, so your teeth straightening journey is convenient. If you want to learn how you can ease new tray discomfort, schedule an appointment or call us at (512) 295-5555.