Invisalign has completely changed orthodontic treatment by making it more comfortable. Dentists use clean removable aligners to move teeth gradually in several months. The most common query is whether Invisalign braces are painful. Read more to know in details.
Does Invisalign Hurt? The Truth
So, does invisalign hurt? Invisalign does not always result in constant pain. You may, however, feel some discomfort, mainly at the beginning of treatment or when you are changing your level of aligner tray. The aligners use controlled force to move your teeth in the set the direction. This pressure is different from normal chewing pressure because it’s maintained for hours. People describe the initial feeling as
- Tightness
- Mild soreness
- A dull ache
- Tenderness when biting down
Visit a dentist for information about Invisalign Sutton.
Pain When Switching to a New Aligner Tray
You can face severe pain in the first 24-48 hours. However, it reduces gradually, and by week 1, it will become comfortable. The initial invisalign attachments pain may feel like
- The teeth may be sensitive to touch.
- Hard texture
- Mild throbbing ache
Ways to manage discomfort
- Switch to a new aligner at night
- If needed, apply a cold compress to the jaw.
- Stick to soft foods
Gum and Tongue Irritation
Invisalign braces are smooth, but the introduction of any new device to your mouth may result in some unpleasant, temporary effects. The common causes of gum irritation caused by Invisaligners are
- The edges of the aligner may also rub against your gums
- Soreness can be caused by repeated touching of the tongue
- A rough spot on the aligner may cause discomfort, too.
- The mouth can respond to the higher secretion of saliva.
How to reduce irritation
Here are some ways to reduce invisalign attachments pain
- Any rough edge on the aligner must be smoothed by the dentist.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any area that causes rubbing.
Eating and Drinking: Does It Hurt?
You can remove Invisalign while eating and drinking. However, the pressure from a new tray can make your teeth tender, which can affect your eating experience during the first day or two.
● Possible discomfort
- sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Discomfort due to biting into hard foods
- slow chewing speed due to soreness
These sensations usually disappear as the tray becomes less tight.
Food choices that help
- Opt for soft foods
- Avoid biting into hard foods
- Avoid extremely hot or cold items
Once the initial soreness goes away, you may resume a normal diet. The only time the aligners should not be in your mouth is when you are eating or drinking something. Best results are achieved when you wear it 20-22 hours per day.
Talking with Invisalign
Short-term lisps are extremely common when people initially start utilising Invisalign. Once your tongue gets accustomed to having the new shape in your mouth, speech becomes totally normal.
What you may experience
- You may find it difficult to pronounce words that have tongue-to-tooth contact.
- A slight whistling sound can be heard while speaking
- You can become more aware of your tongue movement
These issues are not painful. They are related to adaptation, not pressure. Speech improves within a few days and fully becomes normal in a week.
How to improve speech with Invisalign
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Avoid removing aligners to speak
- Do not remove your aligners speak
Invisalign Attachments: Do They Cause Pain?
Invisalign attachments are little, tooth-coloured shapes that get bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip better and apply the right amount of force.
What to expect
For a few days, you may feel a little pressure from the attachments on the treated teeth. The aligners may feel tighter during the first couple of days.
Possible irritation
Occasionally, attachments can run against the inner cheeks if they are placed near the sides of the mouth. This causes invisalign attachment pain. This irritation usually settles once the soft tissue adjusts. Orthodontic wax can help ease rubbing if needed.
How Long Does the Pain with Invisalign Usually Stay?
The most noticeable soreness is experienced within the first 2 days of changing to the new aligner tray. Teeth start to respond to the applied force and will produce discomfort. This discomfort is at its maximum in this window and then settles down quickly.
● Day 3 to Day 7
Individuals can only feel a light pressure by Day 3. Eating becomes easier, the aligner does not feel “tight” and the speech issues improve as the tongue adapts to the new shape inside the mouth. By Day 7, the trays start to feel comfortable.
● After the First Week
As treatment continues, your mouth becomes more well adapted to each one of the new trays. Many patients find that after the first week they do not feel any pain.
Factors That Affect the Pain Of Invisalign
Invisalign pain can be caused by the following factors
● Complexity of Your Case
Complex orthodontic problems will require stronger or more accurate movement which may lead to additional pressure in the first few days of each wearer’s tray.
● Attachments or elastics
Attachments and elastics make the process of teeth shifting more effective. This may cause a bit more initial soreness. This is completely normal and besides, temporary.
When Should You Call Your Dentist?
● Severe, Sharp or Unexplained Pain
Mild pain and soreness is normal, however, sharp and extreme pains are not. Pain which does not reduce in 1 week of wearing a new tray should be assessed by your dentist.
● Aligner Fit Issues
If the tray does not fit in properly or if the tray feels more tight than normal on one side, it may require an adjustment. Poor fit can mean unnecessary pain.
