Are you considering undergoing Invisalign to straighten your teeth? As one of the quickest and most effective orthodontic treatments, you can be sure to show off a new and improved smile in 12 to 18 months! However, you may be wondering if the process will hurt. Since your clear aligners will gradually shift your teeth to an ideal position, it can cause some soreness during your treatment. Read on to learn four ways you can minimize discomfort with Invisalign so that you have a more stress-free experience.
#1: Switch to New Aligners Before Bedtime
Each time you transition into a new set of trays, your teeth will need to take some time to adjust to the different pressure. This can cause mild soreness or discomfort for the first two to three hours after switching. To avoid this adjustment period altogether, you can try wearing your new clear aligners overnight. You’ll be able to work through the most uncomfortable part while sleeping peacefully!
#2: Avoid Hard or Crunchy Meals
Unlike traditional metal braces, your Invisalign trays will be removable. This means you won’t have to worry about any food restrictions during your treatment as long as you take off your clear aligners before your meals. That said, since your teeth may still experience some soreness, you might consider avoiding treats that are hard or crunchy, which can irritate your teeth and gums. During your adjustment periods, make sure to stick to softer foods to go easy on your smile.
#3: Use a Cold Pack
Your oral tissue can feel mildly sore or swollen while your teeth shift into their new positions. One of the best ways to reduce any inflammation is to use a cold compress. By applying it to the outside of your mouth, you can effectively constrict blood flow and minimize discomfort! You might also consider incorporating this tip before switching to your new set of aligners to lessen any pain.
#4: Use Orthodontic Wax or Invisalign Chewies
Do you require attachments or “buttons” for your Invisalign treatment? While these may be essential for straightening your smile, they can sometimes irritate your gums or scratch your lips. To prevent this, you’ll want to ask your dentist for orthodontic wax before leaving your appointment. This material can block any sharp surfaces from damaging your oral tissue. You can also bite on Invisalign chewies if you’re feeling sore due to loose aligners, which can help them fit firmly upon your teeth.
While Invisalign treatment may involve minor discomfort, you can drastically reduce any sensations with these few tips as you work towards a perfectly straight smile. Feel free to speak with your dentist if you have any issues even after trying these methods, and they’ll be glad to help!
About the Author
Dr. Ben Wolfe earned his dental doctorate from the Oregon Health Sciences University and has delivered outstanding care for over a decade. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his techniques and expertise. He offers a vast selection of high-quality treatments, including Invisalign. If you’d like to know more about making your orthodontic treatment stress-free, visit his website or call him at 503-844-6550.