How To Get Effective Relief From Invisalign Pain

Invisalign aligners are very effective for the correction of improper teeth alignment, but they can cause one to experience some level of discomfort, pain, or soreness. It is usually painless compared to traditional braces, although some patients may experience slight discomfort. Invisalign pain reported by most patients is the pressure one feels when one’s teeth move to their new position. We have explained more about the same in detail below, using expert advice from dentists from Mathis Dental.

1. Use of Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax is a pliable substance that prevents direct contact with your aligners and the delicate areas in your mouth. It is like the soft tissue in your mouth gets a small cushion from the two areas that contact the rigid surfaces of the aligners. It is as simple as having a piece of wax, pinching off a small piece, rolling it into a ball, and pressing it flat on the irritating part of your aligner. The heat from your mouth will also aid in modeling the wax and making it easier on your skin by minimizing irritation.

This simple intervention can make a huge difference and greatly improve Invisalign experience and comfort. This is convenient to put on, take off, and put back on as frequently as wanted in a single day. In the same way, orthodontic wax is purchasable in drug stores or through the internet, costs little, and helps handle small populations that may occur from time to time during your treatment.

2. Cold Compress

Another time-tested and proven antidote to Invisalign pain is the application of an ice pack.

A cold compress operates by decreasing the blood flow to a certain part of your body; this will lead to reduced inflammation that causes pain. Whenever you feel the pain, just apply cold water to the outer part of the face where the pain is felt. It is a spontaneous kind of treatment that one can consider as giving a lot of comfort and convenience.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Place a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or buy the cold compress from a pharmacy or grocery store.
• Place the compress over the affected part of your mouth for about 10- 20 minutes.
• Practice this throughout the day as and when needed.
• Apart from this, the cold compress is also an inexpensive solution as compared to any other modern treatment. It is a painless cure that virtually needs no effort yet yields desirable results.

3. Avoid Certain Foods

• Hard or Crunchy Foods: This is because foods such as nuts, hard candies, or some fruits and vegetables that one has to chew with the teeth exert extra pressure on your teeth, which might be painful. Choosing softer foods, particularly within the first few days of a new set, maybe a good idea.
• Sticky or Chewy Foods: Those foods that are difficult to chew and become sticky are some of the worst when wearing your trays because they stick to your teeth and the aligners, causing much distress when removing the trays. One should stay away from such foods or properly brush their teeth and the aligners afterward.
• Hot Beverages: Taking out the aligners while consuming anything else but water is recommended, as the heat from beverages can change their shape if left on and become uncomfortable to wear.
• Chewing Ice: It may be a ‘cool soothing option,’ but biting the ice may generate pressure on the teeth and increase the pain.
  Smoking and Drinking Alcohol: Apart from the health risks that may be associated with these substances, your aligners and teeth may discolor and may even be uncomfortable to wear.

4. Perform Salt Water Rinses

As everyone knows, the journey to achieving the desired straight smile through Invisalign is joyful. However, the inconvenience on the journey should not ruin your mood. A widely known traditional cure for oral soreness that will never go out of fashion is rinsing with warm salt water. Not only is it relatively cheaper, but it is also very easy to prepare and use.

The use of water rinse helps wash away bacteria and plaque, which is beneficial in the healing process of any cuts within the mouth that may result from the edges of the aligners. The rinse may also have an anti-inflammatory property that helps heal inflamed gums.

Here’s how you can prepare and use a salt water rinse:

• Preparation: Add one to a half teaspoons of salt to a glass of warm water, ensuring the salt has completely dissolved.
• Usage: Swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and it must reach all the corners of your gums and teeth. Rinse it off with water.
• Frequency: Salt water rinses can be used several times throughout the day and even after meals to ensure that your mouth is clean and free from irritation.

5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The mouth must always be clean, which is not only for general dental health benefits but also for alleviating discomfort from the Invisalign. Although they are made of smooth materials that are friendly to the gums, if one fails to clean them properly or picks food particles stuck between the teeth and the aligners, one is likely to be attacked by gum diseases or tooth cavities. Lack of exercise and obesity worsens the feeling of discomfort that you will experience. Such problems, however, can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing of the teeth.

Additionally, if the retainers or other appliances are not well-cleaned, they can create some form of discomfort, irritation, etc. You are advised to maintain cleanliness for your aligners by rinsing them as advised by your orthodontist, which is done with warm water and clear, unscented, and antibacterial soap to keep them hygienically fresh when you wear them.

6. Visits to Your Orthodontist

Although the clear aligners are the ones that do most of the work in shifting your teeth to the right position, periodic visits to your orthodontist are very important to check on progress. Furthermore, these visits are the best chance to speak about any discomfort or pain you may have.

Here’s why these regular consultations are a cornerstone of a comfortable and successful Invisalign treatment:

• Personalized Adjustments: Every person’s mouth is different; thus, everyone’s treatment through Invisalign is different. If you are uncomfortable with your aligners, your orthodontist can adjust them to make them a perfect fit.
• Professional Advice: It is always advisable to consult your orthodontist about pain and discomfort since they have firsthand information regarding your situation. Depending upon your condition and treatment improvement, they can prescribe particular treatments or modifications.
• Monitoring Progress: This will ensure that your orthodontist checks on your teeth’ movement progress and confirms whether they are well aligned.

Summing It Up

Your teeth can be gradually yet noticeably aligned with Invisalign. After having Invisalign trays fitted, you may experience some initial discomfort, depending on the condition of your teeth and how much they need to move. However, this is very normal, so don’t panic! You can minimize the pain associated with Invisalign by adhering to our wear and maintenance instructions.

Mathis Dental is here to help if you’d like to use Invisalign to change the appearance of your teeth. You will receive the best care possible from beginning to end. For additional details or to schedule an appointment, contact us right now.