We all know that traditional braces hurt. That’s why within the past decade, more alternatives were presented to us that are more technology-advanced, such as Invisalign.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are made from a thermoplastic material and are designed to fit snugly over the teeth, applying gentle pressure to move them into the proper alignment.
In this article, we will be talking more about Invisalign and what kind of pain may be felt if you choose this type of orthodontic treatment.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Just like other medical treatments, Invisalign can trigger mild pain. Users who reported pain after using Invisalign mentioned that the discomfort lasted for around 2 to 3 days after installing new aligners. As Invisalign requires new trays every 2 weeks, mild pain and discomfort may occur during the initial few days of each cycle.
Nevertheless, with time, as you become more accustomed to wearing the aligners, these symptoms may become less noticeable.
Here are the common types of pain that people with Invisalign mostly encounter:
Pain in the First Week
Most of the discomfort or pain caused by using Invisalign is experienced within the initial week of wearing the aligners. However, the pain is minor and does not affect most people. In fact, a study conducted in 2005 revealed that 83 percent of people who used invisible aligners adapted to them within the first week.
Pain during the Whole Duration
Statistics imply that Invisalign generally leads to temporary and mild discomfort, and only a few users may experience pain. Nevertheless, individuals with the following conditions may have a higher likelihood of experiencing discomfort associated with dental aligners:
- Sensitive Gums
- Sensitive Teeth
- Gingivitis
- Low Pain Tolerance
Pain in One Tooth
Temporary discomfort in a single tooth is also a possibility and is often a sign that the aligners are effectively shifting the teeth. Pain in the same tooth may not occur with every change of aligner trays, and any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
How to Treat Invisalign Pain
You may have noticed that wearing your Invisalign braces has become more painful lately. If this is the case, you need to take charge of the situation and get rid of the pain! The good news is that there are many ways to help ease those aches and pains, which can make wearing Invisalign more comfortable.
Use Dental Wax
To alleviate gum pain caused by friction from rough edges, you can apply a small quantity of dental wax to the top edges of your aligners as this area tends to be the roughest. This wax serves as a lubricant, helping to reduce the amount of friction and therefore easing the discomfort.
Use Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications
During the initial days when the pain is at its peak, you may opt to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin for relief.
It is important to consult with your doctor beforehand, especially if you are on other medications or have any pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure that taking OTC pain relievers is safe for you.
How to Avoid Invisalign Pain
Invisalign has risks, just like any other type of dental treatment, and it’s important to know that these risks can be painful. Whether you’re just beginning to look into Invisalign or you know someone who has used them before, it’s important to know how to keep pain to a minimum during the process.
Change the Way You Eat
In the case of pain that is confined to a single tooth, you can reduce pressure in the affected area by refraining from eating on that side of your mouth until the pain starts to ease. In the meantime, use the other side of your mouth to chew.
Don’t Remove your Aligners For Long Periods of Time
It is crucial to refrain from removing the aligners for extended periods unless directed otherwise by your orthodontist. Invisalign is designed to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours daily.
Even though it might be tempting to remove the aligners if you experience discomfort, doing so could ultimately reduce your tolerance to the trays and increase your pain levels.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
Discomfort caused by Invisalign should not be intense enough to significantly impede your daily routine. It is advisable to contact your orthodontist immediately if you encounter:
- Painful Facial Swelling
- Intense Hot and Cold Sensitivity
- Bleeding Gums
- Bleeding Teeth
- Pain Experienced While Eating and Drinking
Takeaway
Overall, Invisalign, just like other dental appliances, can cause discomfort and pain. Nevertheless, it is generally believed to cause less pain than traditional braces, and it can also potentially correct teeth alignment at a faster rate than metal braces. If you are worried about experiencing pain when using dental appliances, Invisalign might be a preferable option to fixed metal braces.
Nonetheless, if you’re ready to have your Invisalign aligners installed, consider getting Invisalign in Washington, DC. Make sure to get it from the best and most trusted dentist like Kumra Orthodontics, they are the leading orthodontic clinic in Washington, DC. They specialize in affordable Invisalign treatment for all ages, but they have other orthodontic services as well. With over 15 years of earned reputation, rest assured that your teeth will be in good hands.