The teeth straightening process is never painless, regardless of whether you use traditional braces or new aligners like Invisalign. In any case, any discomfort caused by your new aligner shouldn’t last longer than the first week, nor should it be unbearable. Invisalign can cause pain, but there are several things you can do to prevent it. You should consult with your orthodontist whenever you experience more pain than mild discomfort for an extended period.
Is Invisalign Painful?
At no point during your treatment with Invisalign should you feel any significant pain. Occasionally, you may experience mild discomfort when you first wear your Invisalign aligners or when you switch to a new Invisalign set. It is normal to feel mild discomfort as the pressure on your teeth slowly shifts them into their new position.
The discomfort should subside within a week. It is normal to experience tenderness after changing aligner trays, but it should only last for about a day or two. Invisalign pain may be experienced in the following ways:
- Jaw pain
- Multiple toothaches
- A toothache
- An ache in the muscles
- An ache in the tongue
Your teeth are straightening, so a bit of Invisalign soreness is a good sign!
Invisalign Tooth Pain
Clear aligners like Invisalign can be used instead of metal braces to move teeth. Invisalign will, therefore, cause some discomfort and pain as teeth move. Aligner trays change your tooth movement by varying amounts, and one tooth may become very sore as a result. It may not be the tooth you expect since often, one tooth has to be moved to make room for another. In addition, some teeth are moved into new positions where the jaw bites more heavily on them.
Invisalign Jaw Pain
When starting or changing Invisalign trays, jaw pain or discomfort is not uncommon. Clenching or grinding can cause soreness in the jaw, muscles, or ligaments. Generally, mild jaw pain goes away after your mouth adjusts and your jaw relaxes into its new position. Muscle soreness can be relieved by using a warm compress or heat pack a few times daily.
How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?
If you are wearing Invisalign aligners for the first time, you may experience mild tooth, jaw, or gum pain, which is perfectly normal. There is a possibility that you may experience toothache and a tight feeling in the aligners for the first few days. First trays are generally the most uncomfortable in terms of discomfort. When you switch to a new set of aligners after your first tray, you may experience tenderness for a day or two until your mouth adjusts to the tightness.
Invisalign Pain Relief Methods
Although it may seem counterintuitive, wearing your Invisalign trays as often as possible is one of the best ways to relieve Invisalign pain. In general, aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day by most patients. Your teeth and jaw will be less painful the more time you spend wearing your Invisalign trays each day. Additionally, your teeth will become accustomed to the aligners the more they fit, making the process more comfortable.
Be Gentle With the Invisalign Aligners and Your Teeth
The first thing to remember is that you may find it difficult to insert and remove your aligners. In order to prevent damage to your aligners, do not bite or force them into place, as this can cause them to start moving your teeth in the wrong way. Also, avoid sticking objects between your aligners and your teeth while removing them, as such an approach may damage your enamel.
There are times when your new Invisalign trays may not fit correctly, leading your tongue to rub against them and causing discomfort. You can rub dental wax on the edge of the aligners if this rubbing is bothersome or if you are experiencing facial swelling. By following this approach, you should be able to ease your discomfort and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial during your Invisalign treatment. When eating or drinking, remove your aligners and store them safely. It is important to brush or rinse your mouth before reinserting your aligners to remove any food particles that may have become stuck between the aligners and your teeth. You can develop tooth decay if you do not properly clean your mouth and aligners. Ensure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid Invisalign pain.
Easy on Crunchy Foods
When you first begin wearing Invisalign aligners, choose soft foods that will be less stressful on your teeth. Foods such as smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs fall into this category.
Use Pain Relief Medication
If you still experience Invisalign pain after taking the proper precautions, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol. It may also be helpful to apply a cold compress to the painful area during the first few days of treatment to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Drinking cold water or sucking on ice cubes can also reduce swelling and numb pain. Should you experience extreme pain during your Invisalign treatment, contact your orthodontist right away.
When Does Invisalign Pain Become an Issue?
It is important to note that Invisalign aligners should not cause excessive pain or discomfort. Contact your dentist or orthodontist immediately if you experience unbearable soreness or pain. Invisalign aligners do not usually cause certain types of pain. If you experience pain during your Invisalign treatment in any of the following ways, you should see your orthodontist immediately:
- Cold sensitivity that was not there before and is now extreme
- Sensitivity to sweet foods
- Sensitivity or pain to hot food or liquids
- Terrible tastes like blood or infection
- Feelings like burning or nerve pain
Start Your Invisalign Journey at Patuxent Orthodontics!
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if you think that Invisalign aligners may be a solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign aligners or simply have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today to book a free consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on social media to become a part of our smiling community!
