Even though Invisalign aligners are generally considered much more comfortable than traditional braces, advancing to a new set of aligners can sometimes cause a little bit of discomfort. Thankfully, this is usually mild and only temporary. However, if you find yourself needing relief during treatment, here are a few ways to ease the pain and get back to enjoying the freedom of clear aligners!
Eat Softer Foods
Soreness from advancing aligners can make chewing hard or sticky foods difficult, so during this time be sure to eat foods that are gentle on your teeth. Things like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, yogurt and hummus all require minimal chewing and still provide plenty of sustenance to get you through the day.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you are experiencing more tenderness on a specific side of the mouth, you can temporarily ease it by applying a cold compress outside of the mouth over the affected area. This will reduce the pain without causing any tooth sensitivity.
Stay on Track
While it may seem like a better idea to not wear your aligners when they’re hurting, it’s important that you stick to the plan and power through any discomfort. Be sure to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, and advance to your new pairs as directed. Failure to comply with treatment can result in delayed results, and ultimately a longer treatment time.
Use Dental Wax
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners don’t have any wires to poke you, but sometimes you may still feel a sharp edge. If this happens, don’t attempt to remove them. Place a small amount of orthodontic wax on the sharp edge and call your dentist for further instructions. She can help file or trim the edge for you, so you don’t accidentally damage it attempting this yourself.
Maintain Your Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is an essential step to keep your smile pain-free. Be sure to take them off for meals and any beverages besides water, and brush and floss your teeth before putting them back on. This will help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, having food trapped between your teeth and under an aligner can be very painful!
Use an Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever
While most discomfort from aligners is typically very mild, on occasion you may need a bit more help getting relief. An over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will usually be enough to do the trick.
Remember, while the discomfort from clear aligners is usually quite minimal compared to that of braces, it can still make wearing them a challenge. Try these tips to help ease any temporary pain, and rest assured knowing your beautiful new smile will make it all worthwhile in the end!
About Dr. Tran
Dr. Vy Tran became inspired to be a dentist following advice from a mom in her youth group. She interned at a local endodontic office, and found she loved the field. Dr. Tran then went on to earn her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore.
Today, she is Invisalign Certified and currently attends continuing education classes through the Pankey Institute.
Dr. Tran is also a member of the Triple Crown Study Club, the Pankey Study Club, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners.
To schedule a consultation for Invisalign with Dr. Tran at Transcendent Smiles, please visit our website or call us today at 410-729-9090.