Clear dental aligners are popular alternatives to traditional braces because they are made of clear plastic instead of metal. Invisalign is one brand of these aligners. While Invisalign may feel more comfortable than metal braces, you might still feel some mild pain or discomfort.
How much pain you feel depends on your personal pain tolerance; some people may not feel any pain. If you have pain that lasts for more than two weeks after you start wearing your aligners, you should visit your orthodontist because it might indicate something more serious.
Before deciding to use these aligners, be sure to discuss your risk of pain from Invisalign and other concerns with your orthodontist.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Now, let’s get right to it: Does Invisalign hurt? Here’s the short answer: Some temporary tenderness or discomfort could be caused by Invisalign. But don’t worry! Any time teeth are moved with clear aligners or even braces, that feeling is a possibility.
Do not let the thought of pain stop you from getting Invisalign; it really isn’t that painful. If you’ve had braces before or heard how much they hurt, you’ll be pleased to know that Invisalign hurts quite a bit less.
Why Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign aligners can cause discomfort as your teeth get used to the pressure. This discomfort is normal because the aligners gradually move your teeth into place with each new set, and this pain shows that the treatment is working.
You can have three types of discomfort with Invisalign:
Pressure on Your Teeth
This is the most common problem. When you wear Invisalign aligners, pressure is applied to your teeth to move them slowly. During your treatment, you will wear several sets of aligners, each moving your teeth a little closer toward your goal.
You might feel some soreness within the teeth for some days right after switching to a new set as they get used to the new pressure. This tenderness is a good sign that the aligners are doing their work, and in the end, you will have a beautiful and straight smile.
Initial Adjustment
After the first few weeks, your gums and the inside of your cheeks and lips get used to wearing aligners. The edges of the aligners might rub against your mouth. If this happens, use orthodontic wax to protect the area. Once your mouth toughens up, you shouldn’t feel this irritation again.
Rough or Sharp Edges
Sometimes, an aligner has a rough or sharp edge. If this happens, don’t hesitate to contact your Invisalign provider, who can help by trimming or filing down the rough part.
How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?
A recent study showed that 54% of the users of Invisalign aligners have mild pain and discomfort in the first week. Close to 35% reported no pain at all. Since you replace your Invisalign trays with new ones every two weeks, you will experience mild pain for a few days every time you do so. However, your symptoms will be reduced as you get used to wearing your aligners.
How To Deal With Invisalign Pain?
While any Invisalign pain is almost always mild and temporary, it can be difficult to ignore for some people.
However, if you are highly uncomfortable wearing your Invisalign trays, there are solutions for you.
Choose Soft Foods in Your Diet
Although Invisalign doesn’t have any dietary restrictions, it may be worth adjusting your diet for a day or two until you adjust to your current set of aligners.
Poor eating habits are often the cause of Invisalign pain. To avoid discomfort, mince meat and chicken, blend vegetables and fruits into smoothies, and blend muesli with milk and nuts for a healthy drink.
One has to avoid whole pieces of meat, fruit, or cereal that may stress teeth and gums, which cause aches and pains, and have smaller portions and blends for a healthier and more enjoyable meal.
Try Dental Wax
If you have gum soreness from your Invisalign, you might be able to relieve it with a small amount of dental wax.
Simply apply a small amount of wax to the top edges of your aligners. This lubrication might help decrease some of the friction that could be causing your gum pain.
Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress is a chilled or frozen material, commonly a wet washcloth or even an ice pack. It is popular for treating swelling and pain, and it can also treat tooth pain. Therefore, we recommend using a cold compress to help stop the pain for a few hours.
Take Over The Counter Medications
You might want to use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for a day or two when the pain is at its worst. The choice is acetaminophen, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Advil, or aspirin. Be sure to ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take these pain relievers, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have health problems.
Start New Aligners Before the Bed
As the heading says, changing Invisalign aligners to a new set before bed can help ease the pain for at least half the night. This will help you sleep at night and wake up fresh in the morning with no pain at all.
A Pain-Free Journey with Enhance Dental Centre
Do you want a straighter smile but do not want to use traditional braces? Invisalign is the clear and convenient solution. Does it hurt? That is what we at Enhance Dental Centre worry about. We want to offer you a comfortable and efficient Invisalign experience.
Now, let us unlock the Invisalign pain myth for you with professional advice and reassurance. From managing discomfort to achieving your dream smile, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s take this journey in Invisalign and create a confident, beautiful smile.
Schedule a consultation with Enhance Dental Centre’s experienced orthodontists. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to give you the smile you deserve.
Conclusion
It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort during Invisalign treatment, but severe pain is rare. At Enhance Dental Centre, we focus on your comfort and support you throughout your orthodontic journey. With the right care and our expert help, you can get a beautiful, straight smile without much pain. Everyone’s experience is different. If you have concerns or questions about pain from Invisalign, please contact our dental team. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
FAQs
1- How long does it take for Invisalign to stop hurting?
The Invisalign discomfort usually lasts for the first 2-3 days after switching to a new aligner. However, this is different from person to person. As your teeth start to adjust to this new position, your pain should subside.
2- Is Invisalign as painful as braces?
Generally, Invisalign is less painful than braces. While both treatments may cause some initial discomfort, Invisalign tends to be milder and shorter-lived.
3- Is it normal for Invisalign to hurt when switching aligners?
Yes, it’s normal to experience some discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners. This is because your teeth are moving into a new position.
4- Is the first Invisalign tray the worst?
Often, the first few trays can be the most uncomfortable as your teeth begin to adjust to the new pressure. However, this isn’t always the case, and discomfort can vary between individuals.
