Today, our North Battleford dentists explain why your teeth may hurt a bit during Invisalign treatment how any pain you experience can be managed.
Have you heard that mouth pain or sore teeth are common during treatment with Invisalign clear aligners? Though this is true, you shouldn’t let it scare you away from this orthodontic treatment option.
As your teeth gently move into their prescribed positions to help you achieve a straighter smile, they may feel a bit sore while the aligners work. Try to remember that this is just a sign that your teeth are on their way to creating a smile you're proud to show off.
Today, we’ll discuss the challenges you may face during Invisalign treatment and how you can help manage any pain or discomfort.
How much will my teeth hurt, and why?
Many patients report feeling some pain or discomfort during treatment. Some describe it as a light pressure or aching feeling, particularly on the days they switch to a new set of Invisalign tray.
During treatment with Invisalign, your teeth will move only about .2 millimeters from the first day to the seventh that you wear a new clear aligner tray.
Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic and do not have the wires or brackets that traditional braces do, which can irritate your gums. Invisalign is made of plastic that is safe, adaptable, and custom-fit to your smile—so you should feel minimal discomfort from the aligners themselves. Most pain is caused by the shifting of your teeth.
Home Remedies for Invisalign Clear Aligner Pain
If you do feel a bit of pain while your teeth adjust to their new positions, here are a few things you can try:
Switch to your new aligners at night.
Since you’ll be sleeping, it may be best to switch to a new set of aligners just before bed. This way, your mouth will have the next 8 hours or so to get used to them and any discomfort, pain, or tenderness you feel may disappear by the time you wake up.
Use dental wax.
In some cases, the Invisalign aligners can cause slight gum irritation. If this is the case, dental wax may help. Apply a tiny amount between your teeth and your aligners, or on any areas that are very tender or sore. The wax will act as a cushion on your teeth as they adapt to your aligners.
Rinse with warm salt water.
Your mouth sores may be soothed with a swish of salt water. You only need ½ teaspoon per 1 cup in warm water. Try this every few hours for 3 to 4 days, while continuing to diligently brush and floss your teeth.
Eat cold foods.
Some patients report that indulging in cold snacks, drinks, or ice pops helps their gums to feel better after they switch aligners. Don’t forget to remove your clear aligners before you eat and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Take an over-the-counter pain killer.
For pain that is more severe, over-the-counter painkillers can be just what you need to help alleviate mouth pain due to a new set of clear aligners.
Apply an ice pack.
Similar to a cold Popsicle, an ice pack, towel moistened with cold water, or a cold compress can help to soothe a sore mouth and reduce inflammation.
See your dentist regularly.
One of the most important things to keep doing as you progress through your treatment with clear aligners is to keep seeing your dentist regularly - every four to six weeks.
They will check in on the progress of your teeth and let you know whether any pain you're feeling is normal or if any treatment adjustments must be made.