4 Easy Tips for Relieving Invisalign Discomfort

You didn’t wear braces when you were younger, and after hearing your friends complain about how painful they were, you were grateful. However, part of you still wishes you had straighter teeth. So, you chose Invisalign. This system of clear plastic trays straightens your teeth without your having to worry about metal wires and brackets. There’s just one problem: why are the aligners making your teeth uncomfortable? As it turns out, some soreness is normal with Invisalign. Keep reading to find out the reason why – and some helpful tips for alleviating Invisalign discomfort.

Is Invisalign Supposed to Be Uncomfortable?

While you won’t have to worry about wires poking you with Invisalign, some discomfort is a normal aspect of all types of orthodontic treatment. After all, your teeth are being forced to shift from their natural positions. Aligners exert pressure on your teeth, making press against your jawbone. The bone tissue then breaks down and allows the teeth to move according to your treatment plan. However, all of this movement can irritate the nerves inside your tooth roots and the sensitive ligaments surrounding your teeth.

In short, it’s normal for your teeth to feel sore during Invisalign treatment. On the bright side, the discomfort will usually subside within a day or two of wearing a new set of aligners.

Tips to Soothe Invisalign Discomfort

Invisalign discomfort should fade as your teeth get used to the trays, but here are some tips to help you find relief in the meantime:

• Use a cold compress – Pressing an ice pack against your cheek can reduce inflammation and soreness from switching to a new set of Invisalign aligners. You could even place the ice (or another cold object, like a popsicle) against your gums to numb them before putting in the new trays.
• Rinse with warm saltwater – Dissolve half of a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water and gently swish the solution around in your mouth for a few seconds. Repeat this process several times a day to decrease inflammation and soothe irritated gums.
• Switch to new aligners at night – The first few hours of wearing new trays are often the most uncomfortable. If you put them on right before bed, you’ll sleep through the worst of the adjustment process.
• Take pain medication – If your teeth are particularly sensitive, then you can take over-the-counter pain medication as you would for a headache. Try taking the painkiller about an hour before wearing the new trays; this should give it plenty of time to take effect.

Although Invisalign can feel uncomfortable at times, keep in mind that it’s not nearly as bad as traditional braces tend to be. Of course, if you’d like to learn more personalized tips for soothing discomfort with the aligners, ask your Invisalign dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Creighton School of Dentistry. In her 20+ years as a dentist, she has trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies to hone her skills. She is also a certified Silver Level Invisalign provider. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign in Gilbert, AZ, contact Desert Springs Dental at (480) 279-3100 or visit their website.