Is Invisalign Painful?
Invisalign aligners are the clear, removable, and comfortable choice for correcting dental issues like crooked teeth, gaps, and crowded mouths. Invisalign is discreet and flexible (you can take your aligners out to eat most of your favourite foods). But is Invisalign less painful than braces? The answer is a resounding: yes!
Some patients report minor discomfort when using Invisalign aligners, including ‘Invisalign jaw pain’ and ‘Invisalign headaches’. Especially at the beginning of their treatment, as they adjust to wearing aligners all day. This is perfectly normal as your teeth shift to a better position. But we assure you that Invisalign’s pain isn’t unbearable.
How Long Does It Take For Invisalign To Stop Hurting?
Your Invisalign experience will be unique to you. Some people don’t encounter any Invisalign pain. Whereas others may feel some mild discomfort, which typically subsides after a few days. In some cases, this brief period of discomfort can reoccur with every new set of aligners. Don’t worry, though. There are ways to soothe the pain.
5 Effective Ways To Reduce Invisalign Pain
Whilst a tiny amount of discomfort is a small price to pay for the perfect smile, the vast majority of your Invisalign journey will be comfortable and pain-free. For those occasions when discomfort creeps in, there are proactive steps you can take to boost your comfort levels. Here are five effective ways to reduce Invisalign pain.
1. Choose soft foods in your diet
One of the joys of Invisalign is the relative freedom it gives you in terms of what you eat and drink. However, at the beginning of your treatment it’s certainly worth sticking to softer foods. For Invisalign-induced sensitive teeth, try mincing meats and blending fruits and vegetables. Check out these 5 Invisalign food restrictions you need to know.
2. Use a cold compress over the painful area
A cold compress (an ice pack or cool washcloth) can help to reduce any Invisalign pain and swelling around the jaw. Hold it there for 10 minutes at a time, until the pain subsides, several times a day. Drinking cold water can help to soothe any pain while your aligners are in, as can sucking a small ice cube (just resist the temptation to crunch it!).
3. Stay on schedule
Your Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day and will need to be replaced every two weeks for the best results. Wearing them for longer than these specified timescales won’t provide extra benefits and could actually cause inflammation. On the flipside, taking your aligners out too often can prevent your teeth from adjusting to your aligners properly, which can also lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
4. Use orthodontic wax
If you’re wondering how to relieve retainer pain, orthodontic wax is a clear silicone wax that can be applied to your aligners to prevent any irritation to your gums, cheeks and tongue. Follow these simple steps to apply orthodontic wax and avoid any overcorrection pain from Invisalign trays:
- After brushing your teeth, clean and dry your alignment trays.
- With clean, dry hands take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
- Once it’s pliable, press it into the affected area of your trays.
- Use your finger or tongue to smooth out the wax surface.
- Avoid drinking anything for a few minutes until the wax has set.
- Once you’re finished, remove the bulk of the wax with your finger.
- Brush any residue off with your toothbrush and clean your trays as normal.
5. Keep on top of your oral care
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important part of the Invisalign process. Aim to brush your teeth after every meal, and rinse your Invisalign aligners every time you remove them (as well as cleaning them properly twice daily). Keeping on top of your oral care will ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and pain-free throughout.
Liverpool’s award-winning Invisalign dentist
Invisalign provides gradual but noticeable alignment of your teeth. Depending on the nature of your teeth, and the degree to which they need to shift, there can be some initial pain after Invisalign trays are fitted. But don’t worry, this is perfectly normal! By following our wear and care advice, you can keep Invisalign pain to a minimum.
If you’d like to transform your smile with Invisalign, Ollie & Darsh is here to support you. As an Invisalign Apex Provider, we’re among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in Europe. This means you can be sure of the highest quality treatment from start to finish. Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment.