Invisalign Discomfort? Here’s What You Should Do

Since 1997, Invisalign has treated over 2.4 million patients, and 80,000 oral health specialists have been trained to treat patients with it all over the world. Though Invisalign is a wildly popular method of straightening one’s teeth, just like any other orthodontic appliance, it may be somewhat uncomfortable as you get used to the way it feels in your mouth. Here are some ways to help relieve Invisalign discomfort to make your smile journey more pleasant. 

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works by putting pressure on your teeth, which makes them press against the bone in your jaw. This triggers a breakdown in bone tissue and allows the teeth to move where they need to be. Since your teeth are being shifted into place at a faster rate than they naturally move, it’s common to experience some pain with Invisalign. The pain shouldn’t be that bad, and it will likely subside within a day or two of putting on a new Invisalign tray.

How to Relieve Discomfort

Now that you know how Invisalign works and why a little pain is nothing to be worried about, what can you do to lessen the discomfort? Here are a few things you can try:

• Take headache or pain medicine. Make sure to check with your dentist before taking any new medications
• Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to your face to reduce inflammation
• Eat or drink cold things such as ice cream and popsicles. Take your Invisalign off before doing so
• Use orthodontic wax to cover any attachments that irritate your teeth or gums while you eat
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods after putting on new aligners to prevent additional soreness
• Switch to new aligners before bed. Hopefully, you’ll be able to sleep through the first few hours of discomfort
• Use soft spongy chewing devices called Invisalign chewies to make the aligners fit more snugly
• Rinse your gums with warm salt water before spitting it out. Repeat until the water is gone
• Exercise your mouth by chewing to help your teeth move into place faster
• Ask your dentist to soften aligner edges that are rough or sharp to keep them from scraping your gums

If none of these steps work, speak with your dentist to make sure there isn’t something wrong with the aligners. They can also give you personalized tips to on how to make your Invisalign treatment more comfortable as you make your way towards a new and improved smile!

About the Practice

Since they first opened in 1997, Dr. Dana Jones, Dr. Josephine Franzese, and the Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center has been committed to providing excellent dental care. Serving the residents of Ridgefield and surrounding communities, they aim to keep your teeth healthy, gorgeous, and worthy of praise. They offer several options to beautify your smile such as Invisalign and amenities including hot towels, TVs, massage chairs, music, paraffin wax hand dips, and blankets. For more information about Invisalign and to learn if it’s the right fit for you, visit Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center’s website or call their office at (203) 493-0556.