Over the last couple of decades, Invisalign has made it easier than ever to straighten your teeth. The removable clear aligners let you eat and drink whatever you want during treatment without compromising your appearance. Although Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, many patients experience soreness or sensitivity as they wear the aligners. Keep reading to learn why this occurs and some tips for relieving Invisalign discomfort.

Is Invisalign Supposed to Hurt?

As with any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign works by exerting a gentle force on your teeth. This pressure actually breaks down the bone tissue, allowing your teeth to be shifted into more ideal positions. While this movement is perfectly safe as long as your treatment is supervised by a dental professional, it can also irritate the nerves in your tooth roots and the sensitive ligaments surrounding your teeth. This discomfort is especially common when you first begin treatment or switch to a new set of aligners.

4 Tips for Relieving Invisalign Discomfort

The adjustment period should only last for a few days. In the meantime, here are some ways that you can minimize Invisalign discomfort:

1. Take pain medication as directed – Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be a huge help when you’re getting used to new aligners. Just check in with your dentist or doctor before taking any new medication. The effect is typically strongest when you take the medication about an hour before you begin wearing the trays.
2. Use a cold compress – Holding an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek can work wonders for alleviating soreness. You could also try numbing your gums for a few minutes before putting the aligners in.
3. Rinse with warm saltwater – For a more natural way to relieve Invisalign discomfort, let half a teaspoon of salt dissolve in an eight-ounce glass of water. Swish this solution around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. Repeating this process several times a day should reduce swelling and soothe irritated tissue in your mouth.
4. Wait until bedtime to start wearing new aligners – More often than not, new aligner discomfort is the strongest during the first few hours after you put in a new set of aligners. For this reason, try wearing the new set right before bedtime. That way, you should sleep through the most uncomfortable part of your treatment.

Orthodontic treatment almost always involves some discomfort, but these tips should make it much easier to straighten your smile without serious pain or sensitivity. By keeping them in mind, you’ll reach the end of your treatment before you know it!

About the Authors

At Zahner Dental, brothers Dr. Shawn Zahner and Dr. Jonathan Zahner combine cutting-edge dental technology with old-fashioned, small-town customer service to deliver truly outstanding dental care. Families in Ellington, CT and the surrounding communities can enjoy a wide variety of dental services under one roof, including Invisalign. To learn more about easing Invisalign discomfort, contact Zahner Dental at (860) 870-9031.