If you’re considering Invisalign as a teeth alignment option, one of the questions that may be on your mind is whether or not it will hurt. The good news is that while there may be some discomfort, Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces. If you want more information regarding Invisalign, contact Blackburn Orthodontist, who will happily answer all your questions and can book you in for your appointment.
The Initial Phase:
When you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners, you may feel a slight pressure or pain in your teeth. This is a positive sign because it means the aligners are working and moving your teeth in the right direction. As you wear the aligners and get used to them, this initial discomfort will gradually subside and disappear within a few days.
Progress and Transition:
After wearing a set of aligners for approximately two weeks, you may notice they have become slightly loose. This indicates that your teeth have made progress, and it’s time to switch to the next set of aligners. When you start wearing the new aligners, you may experience some pain and pressure again as your teeth continue to move and align. However, this discomfort will also fade away with time.
Removing the Aligners:
Taking off the aligner trays can sometimes be challenging, and using your fingers to remove them may cause pain or discomfort. To avoid this, it’s recommended to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or orthodontist. Additionally, using a helpful tool like the OrthoKey or Invisalign Chewies can make the removal process easier and prevent any unnecessary pain or damage to your gums or cheeks. If you require more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact Blackburn Orthodontist, who will gladly assist.
Individual Tooth Sensitivity:
You may sometimes experience more pain in a specific tooth or teeth than in the rest. This could be because certain teeth require more pressure or force to realign due to their crooked, rotated, or misaligned nature. Your orthodontist will design the aligners to ensure all your teeth are aligned optimally. While this may cause temporary discomfort in those specific teeth, achieving a well-aligned smile is part of the process.
Eating and Aligners:
Eating while wearing Invisalign aligners is not recommended. It’s important to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water. Not only can eating with aligners stain or damage them, but it can also lead to gastric problems or indigestion due to improper chewing. Remember to remove your aligners, rinse your mouth, and clean the aligner trays before putting them back in.
Finding Relief:
There are ways to find relief if you experience pain or discomfort during your Invisalign treatment.
- Use orthodontic utility wax to provide a cushion between the aligners and any sensitive areas
- Over-the-counter pain medication or oral gels like Orajel can also help alleviate the discomfort
- Adjusting your diet to include softer foods can minimise the pain associated with wearing aligners.
- Pressing a hot water bottle or ice pack against your cheek
- Eat a bowl of ice cream or drink some cool water, as cooler temperatures can help to numb the pain
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces:
When comparing Invisalign to traditional braces, many patients find that Invisalign offers superior comfort and convenience. Metal braces can often cause pain and discomfort due to rubbing against the inside of the cheeks. This problem is eliminated with Invisalign aligners. The aligner trays are made of a flexible polyurethane material that helps move your teeth without significant pain.
While some initial discomfort or pressure may be associated with Invisalign treatment, it is generally less painful than traditional braces. The benefits of Invisalign, including its discreet appearance and removability, make it an attractive option for those seeking orthodontic treatment.
If you are ready to start your Invisalign journey, contact Blackburn Orthodontics at 01254 775165 to book your initial consultation today.
