Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is designed to rest comfortably against the soft tissues in the mouth. However, you might still wonder, does Invisalign hurt as it applies pressure to your teeth? You may experience some mild discomfort, especially when you first start wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, any pain goes away after just a few days. In the meantime, how can you reduce discomfort? Here are some helpful tips:
Start Wearing Your New Aligners at Night
One of the simplest ways to ease the discomfort of a new set of Invisalign aligners is to begin wearing them at night. When you start using your aligners just before going to bed, you give your mouth several hours to adjust while you are asleep. During this time, your body is at rest and less likely to register the mild pain associated with the aligners applying pressure to your teeth. By the time you wake up, you might find that the initial discomfort has already started to diminish.
Sip on Cool Water
Another effective way to alleviate discomfort is to sip on cool water throughout the day. The cold temperature can help reduce inflammation and numb some of the soreness in your gums and teeth. Be sure to stick to plain water, as sugary or acidic beverages may harm your aligners and teeth. Keep a bottle of cool water handy so that you can take soothing sips whenever you feel discomfort.
Use Pain Relievers
If you need a bit of extra help to ease your discomfort, you can take appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications can help manage mild to moderate pain effectively. You should always follow the instructions on the packaging and consult your dentist or healthcare provider if you are unsure of how to use them safely. Remember that pain relievers are a temporary solution and are not designed for long-term use.
Eat a Soft Diet
During the first few days of wearing a new aligner, it is wise to stick to softer foods that require minimal chewing. Hard or crunchy foods can exacerbate soreness and make eating a less pleasant experience. Opt for meals such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, or scrambled eggs. By giving your teeth and gums a bit of a break, you create an environment where they can adapt to the aligners more easily. Once the initial discomfort goes away, you can return to eating a wider variety of foods.
Consult Your Dentist if You Experience Ongoing Discomfort
While some mild discomfort is normal and expected, extreme or extended pain should never occur. If you experience ongoing pain or suspect that your aligners do not fit correctly, consult your care provider right away. After they learn about the situation, they can provide guidance or services to alleviate your discomfort and help your treatment to stay on track.
Overall, Invisalign should be an easy and comfortable experience. Use the tips in this article to ease the mild discomfort that can come with a new set of aligners.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Schlessel and Hornstein at the Center for Advanced Dentistry are proud to provide the Beachwood community with a broad range of services, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have questions about this treatment or how to make it successful, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 216-595-1710.