Thanks to Invisalign clear aligners, it’s possible to straighten crooked teeth and correct other orthodontic issues without having to rely on traditional brackets and wires. However, when you first start your Invisalign treatment, you may notice a small amount of discomfort when wearing your aligners. Fortunately, you have plenty of options for finding relief. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know when it comes to managing Invisalign discomfort.
Why Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Cause Discomfort at First?
The discomfort is actually a sign that your clear aligners are working as they should. They are designed to put pressure on your teeth in order to move them toward new positions, thereby correcting your orthodontic issues. However, it takes time to get used to the pressure, so you may notice a bit of discomfort when you first start the treatment. On top of that, you can typically expect some soreness whenever you switch to the next set of aligners in the series.
What Can You Do About Invisalign Discomfort?
The discomfort caused by new aligners should gradually fade on its own once your mouth gets used to them. As such, one of the most important steps for finding relief is to simply continue wearing your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. As tempting as it may be to remove them, you’ll adjust to them more quickly if you keep them in your mouth as much as possible.
While you’re still in the process of getting used to your aligners, you can keep your discomfort under control by following these simple steps:
- Use a Cold Compress: You can hold a cold compress against your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time in order to numb any sore areas.
- Take Pain Medication: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other over-the-counter pain relievers can be excellent options for managing Invisalign-related discomfort.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: If the edges of your clear aligners are a bit too rough, they may end up irritating your gums. You can protect your soft tissues by covering the edges of your aligners with a small amount of orthodontic wax, which you can often get at a pharmacy or drugstore.
- Maintain a Diet of Soft Foods: When your mouth is sore, it often helps to stick to soft foods that require little to no chewing. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs can all be good options.
While Invisalign may initially cause some discomfort, it shouldn’t be anything you can’t manage. Your dentist will be more than happy to explain what steps you can take in order to stay as comfortable as possible on your journey toward a straighter smile.
About the Practice
At iSmile Dental, our dentists strive to make getting the care your smile needs as convenient as possible. You can always count on us to be transparent when it comes to your oral health and the services that are best suited for helping you achieve your goals. For patients interested in straightening their teeth without braces, we offer customized Invisalign clear aligners. If you would like to learn more about the Invisalign process, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Fort Worth by visiting our website or calling (817) 292-9500.