7 Easy Tips That’ll Make Invisalign Treatment More Comfortable

It’s estimated that 4 million people in the United States wear braces at any given point. However, traditional braces can be painstaking. From their unsubtle appearance to the pain they can cause, it’s no surprise that there are now alternatives.

Want to improve your appearance without the appearance and bulk of traditional braces? Invisalign may be what you need.

These clear aligners help shift teeth without the bulk of braces. However, they can be uncomfortable and painful to wear.

If you’re not sure how to make getting used to Invisalign more manageable, keep reading for some of the best tips and tricks to get your dream smile with minimal discomfort.

1. Wear Them Consistently

One of the worst parts about buying new shoes is breaking them in. They can be stiff and uncomfortable during the first wear, but once you get used to them, you don’t have any pain.

Treat Invisalign the same way! You may be wondering, “how long does it take to get used to Invisalign?” and the answer will relieve you. Typically, discomfort only lasts two to three days with a new tray.

Though you may find your Invisalign annoying, irregular wear can make the whole process longer and more frustrating. The longer you wear them, the less uncomfortable they will be.

Unlike braces that can’t come off, you’re supposed to take your Invisalign out when eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Though you may experience relief when you take the liners out, leaving them out for too long can cause your teeth to reshift.

2. Take a Pain Reliever

If the pain is getting to be too much, you can alleviate pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. This won’t cure the pain, but it can help mask the discomfort.

You can take a pill to help reduce discomfort, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to alleviate any acute pain wearing the aligners may cause.

If you don’t want to take a pill, you can also purchase an oral pain relief gel from your local drug store. These can help temporarily numb the area, alleviating pain caused by Invisalign.

You won’t need to use pain relievers the entire time you use Invisalign. Typically people only experience discomfort during the first forty-eight to seventy-two hours of wear.

3. Know When to Change Aligners

Unlike going to the orthodontist to have your braces changed, Invisalign sets are changed around the two-week mark.

If you experience pain when wearing Invisalign, you may want to play it smart. This means you should change your aligners right before bed, as you’ll be sleeping the first few hours they are in.

Because you also move less at night, you may notice that your aligners don’t rub against your gums as frequently as they do during the day. This can help reduce tenderness on your gums.

4. Eat the Right Foods

Though you may love your crunchy foods like baked sourdough pretzels, celery, and granola bars, these foods may cause additional pain when eating.

While removing Invisalign before eating may provide some comfort, switching up your diet for a few days is essential. Knowing the right foods to eat can help alleviate pain caused by forceful bites caused by hard foods.

Instead, opt for easy-on-the-teeth meals like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurts, and smoothies. These foods can help reduce tenderness, as you won’t need to chew them like you would other foods.

5. Keep Cool

Is there anything better than placing a cold compress on your jaw when you have a toothache? You can do the same for Invisalign!

If you have soreness and tenderness from your aligners, a cold compress is the way to go. Wrapping an icepack in a towel can help provide cool comfort without placing a freezing piece of plastic directly on your skin.

You can also suck on an ice cube with the aligners in. Unlike ice pops or snow cones that are cold, ice cubes are plain old water, meaning you don’t have to take the aligners out.

The cool water from the cube can help reduce pain and discomfort, providing relief.

6. Watch for Sharp Edges

Like anything manufactured, your Invisalign may have sharp edges. Though these may seem like manufacturing errors, they are pretty common. However, these edges can tear up the inside of your cheeks, tongue, and gums.

If your aligners have a sharp edge, you may want to file down the edges. this can help protect the inside of your mouth from cuts and scrapes, thus reducing acute pain.

Similarly, you can invest in dental wax. This is a soft and malleable material used to cover any sharp pieces of oral appliances like braces, dentures, or in this case, aligners.

This is a quick and cheap fix to help make your aligners more comfortable and wearable.

7. Contact Your Orthodontist

Finally, if you’re having extreme pain, it may be time to contact your orthodontist. Though you may experience Invisalign fatigue, it shouldn’t distract you from living your day-to-day life.

If your pain persists for more than seventy-two hours, your orthodontist may want to reevaluate the molds to ensure the fit is correct.

The last thing you want is to pay for Invisalign, only to remove them due to pain. If the discomfort persists, there’s no harm in contacting your orthodontist for assistance.

Tips to Make Getting Used to Invisalign a Breeze

If you’ve been wondering how long it takes to get used to Invisalign, the answer is only a few days at a time. However, due to the frequent tray changes, it can feel longer than it actually is.

Remember, in the long run, your smile will be worth it! You don’t have to worry about crooked teeth after the short process of Invisalign.

Did you find this guide to getting used to Invisalign helpful? If so, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great health and wellness tips and tricks.