With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth. This doesn’t mean, however, that Invisalign will always be 100% comfortable. When you begin to wear a set of aligners, their edges may irritate your gums and the insides of your lips. Eventually, your aligners will feel softer and you probably won’t have any discomfort. Once it’s time to switch to the next set of aligners, your mouth should be used to wearing them so you’re less likely to experience peripheral pain.
It’s important to note that you might still notice some discomfort as Invisalign shifts your teeth and creates a healthier smile. This is because the aligners will put pressure on them that may lead to some soreness. The good news is this discomfort is usually very tolerable and short lived. Our Richmond, VA dentist friends at River Run Dental have reported that more and more of their patients are asking questions related to Invisalign.
How to Alleviate Invisalign Pain
If you have a fairly high pain tolerance, you might find that riding out the pain for a few days every time you receive a new set of aligners is all you need to do. After you do so, your teeth and jaw won’t be sore any longer and you can resume your everyday life.
In the event you don’t have a high pain tolerance, there are some things you can do to keep it a minimum. Over-the-counter pain medication is a good option. If you’re unsure of the best medication to take, let your orthodontist know so they can make a recommendation. In general, however, ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen will do the trick. If you don’t want to take oral pain killers, try a topical pain killer like Orajel. You can apply it directly to your teeth or gums so that it temporarily numbs the area. Just make sure you take out your aligners when you do so.
You can also take an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies and put it against your skin to reduce swelling and numb the area of discomfort. Be sure you don’t put it directly against your skin. Instead wrap the ice pack or frozen veggies in a towel or cloth. You can keep applying the coldness several times throughout the day.
In addition, you may drink cold water or suck on ice cubes to gently numb the sore area. It’s also a good idea to stay away from hard foods such as crackers or nuts. If you chew on them while your teeth are sore, you’re likely to experience some pain. Instead, stick to soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. Our Pensacola, Orthodontist peer Dr. Clay Sims encourages soft foods whenever there is any type of pain in the mouth.
This trick works similarly to using a cold compress. Drink cold water to help gently numb the sore area. You can drink water while still wearing your aligners, so you don’t need to take them out. Avoid sugary drinks like juice or soda that can cause cavities and are harmful to your teeth.
Contact Gladwell Orthodontics Today
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment and how it can improve your smile and confidence, don’t hesitate to contact our Raleigh, Durham or Wake Forest office today! We can be reached at 919-453-6325.
