If you’re ready to transform your smile, orthodontic treatment using Invisalign has many advantages. According to Invisalign, clear aligners fit your life – not interrupt it. And at every stage, you’ll be able to see your progress and enjoy your smile as it transforms.
The sole purpose of orthodontic treatment, whether traditional braces, removable appliances, retainers, or headgear, is to shift the teeth and jaw into proper position by applying force. But with shifting comes unwanted discomfort. Nobody enjoys dealing with discomfort, especially when it comes to our teeth, but everyone wants a straight smile. It’s a tradeoff you have to be willing to make.
But don’t let this deter you from undergoing treatment! If you’re looking to achieve the smile you’ve always envied, and you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment, it’s important to remember that the discomfort you’ll experience is minimal compared to the results you’ll see in the end.
As your teeth shift into their prescribed positions based on the treatment plan designed by your orthodontist, they will likely feel sore and sensitive while the aligners work. In this article, we’ll discuss the challenges you may face during Invisalign treatment and tips you can follow to ensure a comfortable treatment experience.
Use A Cold Compress & Drink Cold Water
As you begin your Invisalign journey, you’ll immediately experience some pain. On the bright side, your teeth will become accustomed to the pressure after a few months of consistently wearing your aligners. To alleviate soreness or reduce swelling, consider using a cold compress to numb the area and minimize some of the pain. Additionally, drinking cold water will help gently numb the sore area. Remember, there’s no need to remove your Invisalign when drinking water.
Choose Soft Foods & Eliminate Hard Foods
Since your teeth will be adjusting to the aligners, you will experience some sensitivity and may have to make some changes your diet. Choosing soft foods that won’t cause pain when you bite into them is a good way to not cause any further pain. Though it may seem discouraging to eliminate some of your favourite foods, remember, unlike traditional braces, you can still eat whatever you want when undergoing Invisalign treatment! Choosing soft foods is recommended until your teeth have become accustomed to your new set of trays.
Feel Free To Use Over The Counter Painkillers
Teeth pain is arguably one of the most uncomfortable experiences to have to endure. Thankfully, over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or aspirin, is suitable to temporarily alleviate discomfort. As with any medication, be sure to follow the directions for use and recommended dosage listed.
Try Not To Remove Your Aligners Too Often
Even if the pain seems unbearable, it’s essential not to remove your Invisalign too often. The aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day, and if not, it will compromise your treatment plan. You should only be removing your aligners to eat, drink (anything but water), and brush and floss your teeth. If you leave your aligners out for too long and then insert them after an extended period of time, your teeth will have adjusted and the aligners will feel very tight. To avoid any unwanted additional discomfort, be sure to follow the recommendations of your orthodontist and reduce how often they are removed.
Switch To Your New Invisalign Trays Before Bed
On average, Invisalign trays are changed every two weeks. With each new set comes new added pressure to your teeth. To avoid dealing with a full day of pain, try switching to your new set of aligners before bed and take an over-the-counter painkiller to help you sleep. This will avoid having to deal with a full day of pain and any temptation to remove the aligners to provide relief.
Make Sure Your Invisalign Is Inserted Properly
It may take some time to get used to properly inserting and removing your Invisalign trays. The aligners must be snapped into place and pushed in completely. You’ll be able to notice right away if they are not in their proper position. An improperly inserted aligner will likely cause more pain because it’s essentially pulling your teeth in the wrong position. Practice makes perfect!
Stay On Schedule
Your Invisalign treatment was specifically developed to treat your case. That being said, you must stay on a specific schedule. This schedule is custom-tailored to you to minimize pain while still achieving optimal results. It’s important to not rush your treatment.
Practice Patience
And finally, orthodontic treatment requires patience. If you’re taking the initiative to correct your smile, it’s important to remember that it takes time. Exact success rates are difficult to predict, as each case is different based on the patient’s specific needs. The duration of treatment will vary from case to case, but if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the treatment plan can be relatively faster than traditional braces. Your new smile will be worth the wait.