If you’re here, you either just got your Invisalign trays, or you’re gearing up for it. Either way, this orthodontic treatment is a great way to align and straighten your teeth. If you are concerned about pain or discomfort in the first week of wearing the aligners, and rightfully so, this is the perfect article for you.
Invisalign aligners are pretty simple in the way they work. You wear the trays for several hours daily, and they push your teeth into new, more ideal positions. And you can take them off to brush your teeth or grab a bite. But remember, your Invisalign aligners should trigger movements in your dental formula as your teeth are realigned. This can result in discomfort to some degree.
Below, we discuss what you should expect in your first week of Invisalign Primrose Hill and how to deal. Keep reading for more info.
What to Expect on Your First Day With Invisalign
- You may feel your aligners are a bit too tight
- Your teeth may be a bit sore
- You’ll notice that you salivate a bit more than before
- It may be awkward to place the trays over your teeth
- When bitting food, you’ll feel like you have another layer between your teeth
Do Invisalign Aligners Hurt?
Ideally, Invisalign shouldn’t hurt. Like any other orthodontic treatment, Invisalign allows your teeth to move around and gradually shift their position. It may sound a bit too graphic, but we promise it’s safe.
The forces applied in different directions by your aligners will definitely elicit some pain or discomfort. The right state of mind can help you prepare as you adjust to your Invisalign trays.
Dealing With Invisalign Pain and Discomfort
You should expect some degree of discomfort in your first week of wearing Invisalign aligners. It’s helpful to remember that your aligner trays are custom-made for your teeth and mouth, so no harm is being done to your dental formula. In fact, your teeth are getting straightened and aligned!
You can get over-the-counter medication for the pain and discomfort or ask your orthodontist for a prescription. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good options for short-term pain management. You can also ease the pain by practicing chewing exercises. Chewing stimulates the flow of blood in your mouth, which can help dissipate the pain. Sucking on ice cubes might numb the painful area in your mouth, but it might be a bad idea if you suffer from tooth sensitivity.
And lastly, you may develop some mouth sores from the friction between the aligners and your tongue or gums. Warm salt water rinses can promote healing and prevent infection.
Is Invisalign More Painful Than Braces?
Invisalign is generally less painful compared to braces, but you might need some context. You’ll have to switch to a new pair of aligners at least twice every month, and each set of aligners will bring about some soreness and discomfort. Braces don’t require as many adjustments.
Getting Through the First Week of Invisalign
If we are managing expectations, it will take more than a few days to acclimate to your Invisalign aligners. Besides, some patients give up before they’ve had a chance to work their magic.
Your cheeks and teeth may be sore and painful from the forces of the aligners. Also, new plastic aligners may have jagged or sharp edges that can irritate your mouth. But your mouth will toughen up with time.
Talk to your orthodontist about filing down your trays to make them more comfortable. You can use dental wax to alleviate discomfort from areas facing the most friction. Also, you can use a peroxide-based mouthwash to reduce tooth and gum pain and heal minor irritations in the mouth.
Track How Long You Wear Your Aligners
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for up to 22 hours a day, but you have to take them off to eat. Take your aligners with you when you go to eat; it’s easier to remember to wear them when they’re on hand. But remember to store them safely; you could lose them if you wrap them in a napkin at the food court.
Practice Proper Cleaning
Cleaning your own teeth should be a breeze by now. But how do you clean your aligner trays? First of all, get a new soft-bristled toothbrush for your trays only. A regular toothbrush could scratch or damage your aligners. You also don’t want to stain your aligners with leftover toothpaste so keep two separate brushes.
Your Invisalign aligners will be slightly uncomfortable at first. But it’s a small price to pay for the straighter, well-spaced teeth you’ll be enjoying soon. Listen to your orthodontist, take pain medication if you need to and clean your teeth and aligners for healthier teeth!
