5 Ways to Beat That New Aligner Discomfort

When a patient starts orthodontics, they may be more than ready to get to their final results. This is especially true for clear aligners. They are much more convenient than traditional braces, but does Invisalign hurt? You should know some soreness is expected, but that just means the treatment is working! To help give you some relief, try out any of these five easy tips.

1.)  Keep Your Aligners in for 22 Hours a Day

It might seem counterintuitive, but you should try your best to push through the minor discomfort. Invisalign works by putting a constant, gentle pressure on your teeth. It makes them move into a healthier alignment. So, by keeping your trays in, you’re allowing for that shifting to happen.

As it’s time to swap to your next set of aligners, it’ll be a smooth transition. By taking them out too often, you are likely to experience delays. It’s recommended to aim for 20 to 22 hours every day!

2.)  Avoid Certain Foods for a Short While

Some foods that you have on your plate may make the soreness you feel a bit worse. Chewy, tough, hard, and crunchy items need a stronger bite or have to be munched on for a while. This can make your teeth hurt more.

Instead, you should opt for softer choices. Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are some tasty ones you can indulge in. Thankfully, this minor adjustment is only temporary. In no time, you can go back to your regular diet.

3.)  Use Dental Wax

While you are getting used to your aligners by making a routine, so is your mouth! The edges of your trays may cause some irritation at first. By covering them with a small amount of dental wax, you can smooth these areas out. Simply roll a ball of it with your fingers and press it into place!

4.) Enjoy Some Cold Water

Another great way to find some relief from your new aligner discomfort is by drinking cold water. This coolness can soothe the muscles in your mouth. If your teeth are more sensitive, then you can use a cold compress for 10-minute intervals!

5.)  Take Pain Relievers

In some cases, you might just need to take an over-the-counter medication. Just be sure to follow the directions on the bottle and you’re all set! It might not hurt to talk to your dentist about what they recommend as well.

That being said, if you have consistent issues with your trays, then consider talking to your dentist. This can help ensure that your Invisalign stays as comfortable as possible. Regardless, consider following one or a couple of these simple tips! Hopefully, one works for you, and your discomfort should start to go away after a few days. That way, you can enjoy your journey to a straighter smile.

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. He is committed to giving the community the highest-quality care possible by continuing his education in many fields of dentistry. By going to Dr. Martinez for Invisalign, he sticks with you every step of the way, ensuring you do your best in avoiding any delays. If you’re interested in clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call his office at (214) 303-9969.