Wearing Invisalign aligners can be one of the best decisions you’ll make when working toward a straighter smile. Not only are they discreet and flexible, but they don’t irritate your cheeks and other soft oral tissues like regular metal brackets and wires. But does it mean they are pain-free? While the level of discomfort is not the same, it’s normal to experience some soreness when receiving new trays, so what can you do? Keep reading to discover three tips that can help alleviate aligner pain.
Tip #1: Take an Over-the-Counter Oral Pain Reliever.
When switching out your existing trays for new ones, feel free to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to ease inflammation and discomfort. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are excellent options that can make living with aligners easier and more comfortable.
However, don’t forget to take them as directed and follow dosage instructions. Also, remember that they only provide temporary relief, so if the pain is lingering and causing you to take OTC medicine for more than a few days, call your dentist and schedule an appointment.
Tip #2: Stick to Soft Foods.
The pressure applied to your teeth when biting down on hard, dense, crunchy foods can be painful, which is why your dentist may recommend sticking to a soft food diet. Items such as oatmeal, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup, and smoothies will allow your mouth the time it needs to adjust to your new trays.
As time passes, you can begin to incorporate other foods that require you to bite down and chew. At this point, you should no longer feel any discomfort and be able to expand your meal options.
Tip #3: Use Orthodontic Wax.
Although clear aligners do not come with protruding brackets that can rub against your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums, the edges can sometimes cause irritation. If this happens and you develop small oral sores, make sure to use orthodontic wax.
You can apply it along the edge of your aligners so that a more comfortable barrier is established, protecting your soft tissues from further harm.
These tips are just a few of many that you can rely on to relieve aligner discomfort. If you find that you need additional help to feel more comfortable while undergoing orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir leads the team at Prime Dentistry and is pleased to provide Invisalign aligners to those who want to live life with a straighter set of teeth. As an alternative to traditional metal braces, this clear aligner system allows for flexibility, comfort, discreetness, and faster results on average. When a patient complains of unexpected soreness, our team can provide helpful tips to make living with Invisalign easier and less uncomfortable. If you want to learn what you can do to minimize pain, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
