The most common complaint dentists hear from patients receiving Invisalign is: “Invisalign hurts my teeth.” Some people find the orthodontic treatment slightly painful, whereas others only experience mild discomfort.
Invisalign Compared to Traditional Braces
The good news is that Invisalign is less painful than traditional metal braces. The discomfort is also less constant, tending to hurt more initially and when teeth need to adjust to new aligners. Metal braces are more painful due to the wire, which rubs against the inside of the mouth, leading to callouses. Invisalign aligners, in contrast, should have no sharp edges. They tend to be uncomfortable more than painful unless you have a low pain tolerance.
How to Avoid Pain
Switching to new aligners
To reduce discomfort, put new aligners in just before you go to bed. It will allow your mouth to become accustomed to the new shape while your sleep. If this lowers your sleep quality, combine this method with an over-the-counter analgesic, taking the painkiller for around an hour before switching aligners. You can also take an analgesic any other time you experience pain. Consult with your dentist to find the right medication for you.
See our dentist
If you have any problems with your aligners, see your dentist. One such issue could be rough edges on the aligners. Aligners should be completely smooth — a rough patch indicates the aligner was improperly finished. Your dentist can correct the problem, instantly alleviating your pain.
You should also see your dentist if the edge of an aligner is irritating your tongue or another soft tissue in your mouth. Avoid making the first adjustment on your own, as you could impact the alignment of Invisalign over your teeth. Once your dentist has shown you how to make adjustments, you can correct problems independently.