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The most significant risk of pain during Invisalign treatment is around the first week of wearing your aligner trays. Any pain or discomfort you experience tends to be temporary.
One study from 2020 discovered that clear aligner users experienced pain during the first 24 to 48 hours but grew used to the aligners by the end of the week.2 Those who experience Invisalign pain typically report it as mild and temporary.
Initially, Invisalign treatment may result in mild pain because the device is designed to help gradually straighten your teeth. You may be more likely to develop pain from aligner trays if you have:
Invisalign pain is typically described as tenderness or pressure. Usually, the discomfort is only noticeable while wearing the aligners. It can also occur when you take them in and out of your mouth to eat and clean.
As Invisalign requires new trays every two to three weeks, it is possible to develop mild pain and discomfort within the initial few days of each Invisalign cycle. However, these symptoms can become less noticeable as you get used to wearing your aligners.
Experiencing temporary pain in one tooth indicates that your aligners are working. They are gradually adjusting your teeth's positioning.
You may not experience pain in the same tooth with each aligner tray. Any discomfort should lessen within a few days.
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While any pain from Invisalign trays tends to be mild and temporary, some users may find it too uncomfortable. Here are some tips for reducing Invisalign pain:
If you experience gum pain from Invisalign, you may help lessen it with dental wax. To do this, apply a small amount of wax on the top edges of your invisible braces. Doing this can help lessen any friction that may be causing your gum pain.
You may also consider taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for pain relief when the pain is most severe. OTC options include:
Always ask your doctor if it is safe to take OTC pain relievers, especially if you currently take any other medications or have underlying medical conditions.
For pain isolated to a single tooth, you can prevent placing more pressure in the area by stopping eating on that side of your mouth. Continue to eat in this way until the pain goes away.
You should avoid removing your invisible braces for an extended period unless otherwise suggested by your orthodontist. Invisalign is designed to be worn for at least 22 hours a day.
While it is tempting to remove your aligners if you are in pain, this could decrease your pain tolerance to the trays. Changing your aligner trays at night time before bed is also recommended.
Sucking ice cubes helps numb the painful area affected by Invisalign treatment. You do not need to remove your aligners when you do this.
Be sure not to chew the ice cubes. Teeth can become sensitive when biting into hard foods while wearing Invisalign.
Drink cold water to reduce Invisalign pain. You can drink while wearing your aligners, so you do not need to take them out.
Avoid sugary beverages like juice or soda. These drinks can cause cavities.
Orajel is a topical pain killer. You can apply it directly to your teeth or gums where you feel pain or soreness.
Remove your Invisalign device to apply the Orajel directly to the painful area. It will temporarily numb the site.
Placing a cold item against your skin helps reduce swelling and numbs any pain. You can do this several times throughout the day.
You can use the following for up to 10 minutes at a time to reduce Invisalign pain:
Do not place any of these items directly against your skin. Instead, you should wrap them in a piece of cloth or towel.
You should speak with your orthodontist or dentist immediately if you experience:
You should also speak with your orthodontist if your Invisalign trays continue to result in pain after a week’s use. If they are affecting your gums, they may be able to fix the aligners by filing down the top edges.
Consider that there may be a risk of mild discomfort every time you change to new trays. However, if your pain is worse than your last set of aligners or worsens after a few days, speak with your orthodontist.
If you experience persistent pain a few weeks after the completion of Invisalign treatment, call your orthodontist. It is not unusual to experience tooth pain after finishing treatment. But this usually settles down within a few weeks or even days.
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It is generally thought that Invisalign hurts less than traditional metal braces. The clear plastic used for Invisalign may be more comfortable to wear.
One study discovered that those wearing metal braces experienced more pain overall.3 These people were more likely to require medications for pain relief during the first week of wearing metal braces.
Some people find the metal and wire used in traditional braces to be considerably uncomfortable due to sharp edges and protruding components. These features may also result in pain in your gums.
Any dental appliance can lead to pain and discomfort, including Invisalign. However, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is known to be less painful overall.
If you are concerned about pain with orthodontic appliances, Invisalign may be a better option than traditional metal braces. However, not everyone is a candidate for aligners, especially if you have severe jaw misalignment.
If you are still wondering whether Invisalign is worth it, visit your orthodontist for an honest evaluation of your teeth. If Invisalign suits you and your requirements, your orthodontist will let you know.
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