Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today. It is a great solution for people who want to straighten their teeth and improve their smile without wearing traditional braces. However, some people are worried that Invisalign will be painful. In this article, AP Dental will discuss if Invisalign treatment hurts and what can cause pain during treatment.
In general, Invisalign is not a painful treatment. Unlike braces with sharp edges and metal brackets that can scrape your gums and cheeks, Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. However, some people may experience mild discomfort when starting their aligner treatments. This is because your teeth and mouth are adjusting to the aligners.
The good news is that this discomfort usually goes away within a few days. If you have any concerns, talk to your orthodontist. They can help you determine what’s causing the pain and how to minimise it.
What Can Cause Pain During Invisalign Treatment?
While the comfort levels of Invisalign aligners are much higher than that of traditional metal braces, it is not completely pain-free. Here’s what you need to know about pain during Invisalign treatment.
- The first time the aligners are put in.
The most common cause of pain during Invisalign treatment happens when the aligners are first put in. Because your teeth are being moved slightly with each new aligner, you may feel some initial discomfort and slight pressure. This is normal and should subside within a day or two. - Changing aligners.
Changing to a new set of aligners can cause discomfort since it will put pressure on your teeth to move them to a new position. This pain is usually mild and transient. You usually change your aligners every 2 to 3 weeks. - Changes in your bite.
Another cause of pain is accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip during the aligner treatment process, which can lead to mouth sores. This can happen because the aligners can slightly change how your teeth come together. If you accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip, rinse the area with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling. - Shifting teeth.
Finally, some people may experience pain while chewing during Invisalign treatment because of the gradual tooth movement. If you are having severe pain, you can try using over-the-counter pain medication.
Overall, pain during Invisalign treatment is relatively mild and transient. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, you should contact your orthodontist.
Can Discomfort During Invisalign Treatment Be Prevented?
Discomfort is one of the most common side effects of Invisalign aligner treatment. While the pain is usually mild and subsides quickly, it can be enough to deter some patients from completing their treatment. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent discomfort during your Invisalign treatment.
- Start with a shorter wear time.
When you first get your aligners, try wearing them for a few hours in the first couple of days. Gradually increase the wear time each day until you are comfortable wearing them for the recommended 22 hours. - Follow a proper oral hygiene routine.
Brush your teeth thoroughly before each aligner is inserted. This will help remove any plaque or food particles that could cause irritation. - Place aligners before bed.
Since you will be sleeping for several hours, your mouth will have time to adjust to the aligners without you feeling any discomfort. - Remove aligners when eating.
Avoid eating while wearing your aligners. Eating with them on can damage the aligners and cause them to fit poorly, leading to discomfort and ineffectiveness. Remove your aligners before eating and brush your teeth immediately afterwards before putting your aligners back. - Use wax.
Try using Invisalign wax. The wax creates a barrier between your aligners and your gums, preventing the aligners from irritating your gums.
Following these tips can minimise discomfort and help achieve a successful Invisalign treatment.
What Can You Do For Invisalign Treatment Pain?
While Invisalign is very effective in correcting dental problems, it can also cause slight discomfort and pain for some patients. Fortunately, there are a few things that patients can do to relieve this pain and enjoy a more comfortable Invisalign experience.
- Check that the aligners are properly fitted.
One of the most effective ways to reduce pain caused by Invisalign is to wear properly fitted aligners. When Invisalign aligners are loose, they can rub against the gums and cause irritation. Similarly, if the aligners are too tight, they can put constant pressure on the teeth and cause pain. - Take breaks when needed.
Another way to reduce Invisalign pain is to take breaks from wearing the aligners. It is recommended that patients only wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day, leaving a few hours for the aligners to rest. This will give the gums and teeth a chance to recover from any irritation caused by the aligners. - Take medicine.
Finally, over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective at reducing Invisalign pain. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and pain. However, it is important to consult your dentist before taking painkillers, as some medications can interact with Invisalign. You can also try swishing cold water in your mouth or sucking on ice cubes to help relieve the pain.
Invisalign aligner pain is usually only temporary and will resolve once the patient gets used to wearing the aligner trays. However, if you are experiencing persistent or severe pain, consult with an orthodontist or other dental professional. They can determine if an underlying problem needs to be addressed. In most cases, however, a little time and patience are all that is needed to get through the discomfort of Invisalign pain.
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, you may wonder what the benefits are. Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces, including the fact that they are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. Invisalign is also more comfortable than braces, and the treatment time is often shorter. If you are looking for a discreet way to achieve straighter teeth and a more attractive smile, Invisalign is for you.
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of your misalignment and the length of treatment. However, Invisalign is typically more expensive than traditional braces, and treatment starts at $4,500.
Invisalign is a good option for people with mild to moderate misalignment. If you have severe misalignment, traditional braces may be a better option.
It’s important to brush and floss your teeth regularly when you have Invisalign, as plaque and tartar can build up around the aligners. Remove your aligner trays before eating to avoid deformation and warping, and put them back afterwards.
