More and more people are considering Invisalign instead of traditional braces. If you’re one of the people thinking about getting an Invisalign aligner, you might be wondering if aligners hurt.
The short answer is yes, you may experience Invisalign pain, but not as much as you’d think! Radiant Smiles are experts when it comes to dealing with discomfort with Invisalign. Today we’re going to get into the question of “Does Invisalign hurt?”, the potential side effects of braces and Invisalign, how to manage pain associated with Invisalign, and how to look after your new set of trays. Let’s jump in!
Key Takeaways
- Invisalign can cause mild pain in your teeth, gums, and jaw in the first week.
- Invisalign hurts less than traditional braces.
- You can find pain relief from Invisalign in pain medication, a cold compress, a soft diet, and regular check-ins with your orthodontist.
- To take care of your Invisalign properly, establish a strict cleaning routine, don’t use hot water when cleaning them, always store them in their case, and maintain your oral hygiene.
What is Invisalign?
So, the first thing you should know is what exactly Invisalign is!
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution designed to fix certain dental issues, like misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, and gaps. At our Perth Clinic, you can get Invisalign starting at $3,999.00.
For many people choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces, they tend to go for Invisalign. This is because they find the first week of wearing braces to be uncomfortable due to the metal brackets and wires. Invisalign doesn’t have these; instead, they are made of custom, clear aligners or trays that fit comfortably over your teeth.
These aligners apply gentle pressure to slowly move your teeth into the right positions. Usually, patients wear each set of aligners for at least 22 hours a day and switch to a new tray every 2 weeks or so as their treatment progresses.
Invisalign aligners are also invisible, making them more popular for adults and teens who prefer a more discreet option for teeth straightening.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Now let’s get into the main question–does Invisalign cause pain and discomfort? The answer is yes, if you’re wearing Invisalign, you might experience mild pain and discomfort in the first few days when you get your new set of aligner trays.
The pressure that is placed by the aligners on the teeth can lead to feelings of pain or discomfort, usually in one tooth (but sometimes more) as they begin to shift. Some people also experience gum pain during this tooth movement.
While some people who deal with Invisalign have gum, teeth, or jaw pain at first, many of our patients didn’t experience pain levels that weren’t manageable.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you’re using Invisalign, the initial pain is only temporary. It often goes away within a few days, since Invisalign has a smooth surface.
Side Effects of Invisalign
Invisalign may cause a few side effects, but these usually aren’t too serious. Here are some common side effects when you use Invisalign to straighten your teeth:
- Tooth Sensitivity: As teeth move, you might feel increased sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures, in addition to tooth pain.
- Gum Pain: Some people have noted that Invisalign may also cause pain and discomfort in your gums because of the pressure from the aligners.
- Jaw Pain: The adjustment period can also lead to jaw soreness or headaches as your jaw adapts to the new tooth positions.
- Speech Changes: Other than pain related issues, Invisalign might cause some very slight speech issues, like a lisp, which usually resolves within a week.
- Dry Mouth: Wearing aligners can reduce saliva production. This can cause dry mouth for some people.
Most side effects caused by Invisalign aligners are temporary and reduce as you get used to them. However, it’s very easy to manage Invisalign pain. Let’s get into how you can make Invisalign adjustments a bit easier for yourself.
How to Manage Invisalign Discomfort
When it comes to pain caused by your Invisalign, you might be looking for some ways to manage it, especially if you have a low pain tolerance. Many complaints of Invisalign wearers are simply pain in just one tooth, but others experience higher levels of pain.
Here are some ways you can manage the side effects of Invisalign:
- Pain Relief Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. Pain medication is really helpful for pain relief during the first few days after receiving a new set of trays.
- Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress to your jaw can reduce swelling and numb pain if painkillers aren’t enough.
- Soft Diet: Eating softer foods during the adjustment period can lessen the pain experienced on your sensitive teeth and gums. Removing Invisalign trays before you eat is another important thing to remember.
- Regular Check-ups: Book regular appointments with your orthodontist to make sure that there is proper alignment and talk about any concerns regarding pain or discomfort. The pros at Radiant Smiles will do everything in our power to make the experience less painful for you!
How to Take Care of Your Invisalign
Invisalign tends to be more flexible than traditional braces, especially because the aligners can be moved. Aside from making sure you take medications for pain relief, there are a few things you should keep in mind to take care of your Invisalign properly:
- Cleaning Routine: Rinse your aligners every time you remove the trays. Use a soft toothbrush (not toothpaste) and mild soap for cleaning.
- Avoid Hot Water: Do not use hot water when cleaning your aligners, because it can warp the plastic.
- Storing Aligners: Always store your aligners in the case provided to you when you’re not using them. This will help prevent damage or loss.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to prevent plaque build-up.
Radiant Smiles: Comfortable Invisalign Treatment in Perth
Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening method for a variety of reasons. However, Invisalign is also the cause of some mild pain and discomfort. Luckily, this doesn’t last too long and can be easily managed with medication for pain relief during the first week.
To prevent pain if you’re wearing Invisalign aligners for the first time, look after your oral hygiene, take OTC pain medication, and book regular visits with an orthodontist. At Radiant Smiles, Invisalign is one of our most popular treatments. Get in touch to book an appointment and straighten your smile with ease!
FAQs on Does Invisalign Hurt?
How do I know when it’s time to change my aligners?
It’s time to change your aligners if your teeth feel loose in your mouth or if there are obvious gaps. This might indicate that your teeth aren’t tracking properly with the aligners, so it’s best to make an appointment for new aligners as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long, or your entire treatment period may be delayed.
Do your teeth move in the first week of Invisalign?
Yes, your teeth move in the first week of Invisalign. However, this movement is limited to essentially a fraction of a millimetre, which is not very noticeable to the naked eye. You will only start to notice movement properly from around ten to twelve weeks into your treatment, but this will still be quite subtle.
Why does Invisalign hurt at night?
Your Invisalign might hurt your gums or teeth at night if you grind or clench them in your sleep. Additionally, if you experience pain caused by Invisalign, it’s a sign that your teeth are moving and shifting in your mouth. If you’re concerned or experiencing too much pain, make a booking with your orthodontist to make sure that your treatment is still on track.
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