Invisalign is often an ideal treatment for those wanting straighter smiles without the hassle of traditional braces. Instead of relying on metal brackets and wires, this alternative method uses clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently reposition them. Not only is the transparent material less noticeable, but it’s also considered more comfortable because it won’t cut the soft tissues inside your mouth.
However, wearing new trays is normal to experience discomfort until your teeth adjust to the changed dimensions. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to alleviate any associated aches from wearing Invisalign!
Tip #1: Gradually Increase Wear Time
To prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous placements, you must keep your Invisalign inserted for 20 to 22 hours daily. If you’ve only just begun your treatment, it could take a couple of weeks to become accustomed to wearing the trays all day and night. The additional force exerted can trigger soreness, sensitivity, or inflammation until you acclimate.
This can be mitigated by taking a more gradual approach to adjusting to the transparent trays. For instance, you might start by wearing the aligners for a few hours for a few days to slowly adapt to their presence. Then, you can try keeping them in for a few more hours each day until you’re able to meet your designated wear time.
Tip #2: Switch to New Trays at Night
Even after you’ve grown used to wearing Invisalign, you might experience additional throbbing for a few days when you switch to the next set in your series. This is likely due to the changed dimensions of the trays, which are designed to ensure that your teeth continue shifting to their ideal places.
Many patients find it helpful to switch to their next trays at night before they fall asleep. You can even take an over-the-counter pain medication, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, to reduce throbbing and get a solid night’s rest. That way, you can sleep through the initial period of discomfort and already be more acclimated by the time you wake up.
Tip #3: Stick to Soft Foods at First
Because Invisalign is removable, there’s no need for dietary restrictions like with traditional orthodontics. They shouldn’t be in your mouth while you eat, so there’s no need to worry that you’ll harm them by eating anything too crunchy, hard, or sticky.
However, when your teeth and gums are already feeling tender from wearing the transparent trays, you might want to stick to softer foods that won’t exacerbate your condition. Popular options include yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or blended fruit smoothies.
Thankfully, aches associated with Invisalign tend to be short-lived and clear up on their own after a few days!
Meet the Author
Dr. Maryam Bemani enjoys helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has since completed additional training, including becoming a certified Invisalign provider. She enjoys establishing lasting relationships with patients to identify and address areas of concern quickly. Plus, she combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (443) 251-5580.