While you are on your way to straighter teeth with your Invisalign aligners, the journey can occasionally feel a little uncomfortable.
Invisalign is relatively gentle, but studies have found that a fair proportion of users notice mild discomfort while wearing their aligners. So it is worth knowing what to expect, and what helps.
You may feel discomfort for two main reasons once you start using Invisalign:
- It applies pressure on your teeth.
- It can occasionally irritate the soft tissue.
The first is the good kind — it usually means the aligners are doing their job. The second can be caused by a sharp aligner edge, and is worth raising with your dentist.
If you need a little extra help through the early days, the following tips can make a difference.
Wait a few days
Your teeth often need two to three days to get used to the steady pressure. Before reaching for any pain relief, give it a few days — in many cases the discomfort settles on its own.
Avoid very crunchy foods
One advantage of aligners is that you remove them to eat, so nothing is off the menu. Even so, in the first days of a new tray it helps to go easy on very hard, crunchy foods like ice, which add unnecessary strain while your teeth are already adjusting.
Use a cold compress outside the mouth
If the discomfort is hard to settle, hold a cold compress against the outside of your jaw. This helps numb the area and ease the sensation. You can repeat it through the day as you adjust to a new tray.
Use orthodontic wax
If a corner of an aligner keeps irritating your gums, cheeks, or tongue despite refitting, a little orthodontic wax can help. Apply a small amount to the part of the aligner you find uncomfortable, and it will usually stop the edge rubbing. If the problem continues, get in touch for a proper look.
Bite on Invisalign chewies
Some early discomfort is simply your mouth adjusting. Biting gently on Invisalign chewies can help work through it, and they also help seat the aligner snugly on your teeth, which reduces discomfort caused by a poor fit. Our dentists can supply chewies — just ask at your appointment.
Use an aligner removal tool
Sometimes the only discomfort comes from taking an aligner out or putting it in. You will get the hang of it, but a removal tool can make the process easier and gentler in the meantime. Mention it to our dentists if removing and replacing your aligner consistently feels awkward.
Time it right
The best moment to start a new aligner is just before bed. That way you sleep through the first few hours of adjustment, and the aligner has more time to settle on your teeth before you next remove it.
Use over-the-counter pain relief
This should be a last resort, but if discomfort is genuinely hard to bear, a standard over-the-counter pain reliever, used at the correct dose, can help. Ask our dentists about suitable options before relying on it.
What to remember
The pressure you feel is a sign the aligners are working — that steady force, over 20 or more hours a day, is what moves your teeth. These tips will help you navigate the early discomfort, though they will not remove it entirely, and that is normal.
If discomfort persists or you are unsure whether an aligner is fitting correctly, do not push through it alone. Arrange a consultation and we will check the fit and help you stay comfortable through your Invisalign treatment.
