Rational Fears: Does Invisalign Hurt?

No one likes to be in pain, so it’s simply a part of human nature to be worried about it. Asking whether your Invisalign treatment will hurt is perfectly normal, in other words! Those who have had to wear braces in the past might be particularly wary of the overall comfort of an orthodontic appliance like Invisalign.

Fortunately, clear aligner systems were designed with your treatment experience in mind. Keep reading, and you’ll see that even though new Invisalign aligners can cause some soreness, it’s likely not as bad as you’re envisioning.

The Ins and Outs of Invisalign Soreness

The time you’ll probably feel the most discomfort while undergoing an Invisalign treatment is right after receiving a new set of trays. They’ll be customized to fit very snugly against your teeth, and since they rely on applying pressure to shift your dental alignment, your mouth is likely going to be a bit tender as things move.

However, most patients find that this type of discomfort isn’t the same as having braces tightened. They report that their soreness is most noticeable while eating, and that soft foods and OTC pain relievers are often enough to provide relief. Basically, you can reasonably expect Invisalign aligner discomfort to be manageable!

Other Ways to Relieve Invisalign Discomfort

That said, even mild aches and pains can be bothersome. No doubt you would prefer to feel as normal as possible! Your dentist can provide more personalized tips for relieving Invisalign discomfort, but this general list can help too:

• The power of cold – cold compresses, cold water, and freezing ice cubes are effective at soothing tender oral areas.
• Stick to wear times – if you don’t wear your aligners as instructed, it will only take longer for your mouth to adjust to them.
• Smoothing out rough edges – your aligners should be buttery smooth, but if rough edges are poking your gums, apply orthodontic wax to the area until your dentist is able to make adjustments.
• Scrub-a-dub-dub – clean aligners are free from irritants like bacteria and food particles, so be sure to give them a thorough scrub on the regular!

While any discomfort you experience during an Invisalign treatment shouldn’t be the worst pain you’ve ever felt in your life, it’s still worth taking the time to ensure your complete comfort. Follow these tips and talk to your dentist, and you can have a perfectly positive Invisalign experience!

About the Author

Dr. Dominic G. Carlson excels at providing one-on-one attention for each and every patient that walks through his office doors. He’ll make sure your oral needs are addressed and your care preferences are taken into account, but his ultimate goal is to exceed your expectations! If you’d like to talk about Invisalign discomfort in more detail, Dr. Carlson will gladly meet with you and help you feel as comfortable as possible. To contact his office, call 661-327-7301.