Your Parksville Invisalign® Provider
Today the Parksville dentists share why you might be feeling a bit discomfort with Invisalign clear aligners and share tips and tricks that could help you alleviate the pain.
You might be wondering if mouth pain or/and sore teeth are normal when going through treatment with clear aligners. Sadly this is true, but it shouldn't deter you away from this orthodontic treatment option.
The pain with aligners is similar to when you push yourself to complete another 10 reps or to walk just a bit longer and feel a little sore after. As your teeth gently move into their prescribed positions to help give you a straighter smile, they may feel a bit sore while the aligners work.
In this blog, we discuss the challenges you may face during and following Invisalign treatment, and how you can deal with the after-effects.
Why might my teeth hurt, and how much pain will I feel?
Though not everyone experiences soreness or pain during the treatment process, many will; some describe it as a light pressure on their teeth on the first day they switch to a new set of clear aligners.
During treatment with Invisalign, your teeth will only move about .2 millimeters from the first day to the seventh that you wear a new clear aligner tray.
Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic - no wires to poke or prod at sensitive places in your mouth, which can sometimes cause irritation. You may also notice a little more adaptability in this plastic compared to other more stiff plastics, so Invisalign pain should be minimal. Plus, your clear aligners will be custom-made to fit your smile.
Relive Invisalign Clear Aligner Pain at Home
If you do feel a bit of pain while your teeth adjust to their new positions, there are some home remedies you can try:
Switch to your new aligners at night.
Since you’ll be sleeping, the night may be your best time to switch to your new aligners. This way, your mouth will have the next 8 hours or so to get used to them and any discomfort, pain or tenderness you feel may disappear by the time you wake up.
Use dental wax.
Are your teeth or gums feeling painful as your clear aligners realign your teeth? Dental wax may help. Apply a tiny amount between your teeth and your aligners, or on any areas that are very tender or sore. The wax will act as a cushion on your teeth as they adapt to your aligners.
Try a warm salt water rinse.
Your mouth sores may be soothed with a saltwater rinse. You only need ½ teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of warm water. Do this every few hours for 3 to 4 days, continue flossing, brushing and practicing excellent at-home oral care, and see if it helps.
Eat cold foods.
Some patients have told us that eating a 100% fruit Popsicle or frozen ice pop has helped make their gums feel better after switching to a new set of aligners. Don’t forget to take them out before you eat.
Take an over-the-counter pain killer.
If any of the other remedies mentioned here don't work you can take over-the-counter painkillers to help manage any pain the aligners are causing in your mouth.
Apply an ice pack.
Similar to a cold Popsicle, an ice pack, towel moistened with cold water or a cold compress can help to soothe a sore mouth and reduce inflammation.
Regularly visit your dentist.
It's essential for you to regularly visit your dentist during your clear aligners treatment ( approximately every 4 to 6 weeks).
Your dentist will examine the progress the clear aligners are making and will designate time for you to ask questions, giving you the opportunity to find out if the pain you are feeling is normal. They will give you advice on how to manage any discomfort and explain any steps you should take.
Another plus: clear aligners typically don't require adjustment appointments, so your dentist won't have to tighten your aligners which could cause some pain.