Invisible Aches: Reducing Invisalign Discomfort

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it’s more comfortable and discreet. The transparent trays fit snugly over your teeth to reposition them, but are removable, so they’re also considered less invasive than standard orthodontics.

That said, any treatment that exerts enough pressure on your teeth has the potential to cause tenderness, and it’s normal to experience some aches when you start wearing the plastic trays. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful hints for reducing potential discomfort with Invisalign!

Tip #1: Start Slowly

Invisalign works by applying gentle but consistent force over your pearly whites to shift them to their ideal places. However, you must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent them from reverting. The wear time can be hard to meet when you’re a new patient and aren’t yet accustomed to wearing your aligners, especially if you start feeling sore.

It might help to start slowly, then gradually build up to this wear time criterion. For instance, you can begin by wearing your trays for a few hours at first, then gradually increase the duration over the next few days. This can reduce potential pain as you acclimate to your new treatment.

Tip #2: Address Aches

Even if you know the effect may be temporary, there’s no reason to simply live with hurting teeth. It’s usually safe to take over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, to ease swelling, tenderness, or inflammation as you adjust to Invisalign.

You can also try pressing an ice pack or cold compress against your jaw and cheeks for 15 minutes at a time for a temporary numbing reprieve. You might even find it helpful to rinse your mouth with warm salt water if the clear trays rubbed raw spots in your gums.

Tip #3: Eat Soft Foods

One reason that this treatment continues to gain popularity is that there are no dietary restrictions. Unlike with braces, the aligners are removable, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks. If your new trays are causing discomfort, however, you might want to stick to softer ingredients that won’t irritate your already tender teeth.

For instance, instead of having hard or crunchy snacks that press sharply into your gums, you can fill up on scrambled eggs, yogurt, or mashed potatoes that you can swallow without exerting additional chewing pressure to your teeth.

If you’re still sore after a few weeks, you should contact your dentist to ensure that your Invisalign fits as intended!

About the Practice

At Harris Parkway Dental Care, you benefit from two dentists with 20+ years of combined experience. Dr. Zahawi and Dr. Vasquez collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet the most unique dental needs conveniently under one roof, including Invisalign. They take the time to get to know your goals and concerns, then tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 423-2223.