Starting clear aligner treatment with Invisalign is an exciting time. Just think—your straightened smile is now on the way! And while there’s plenty of reason to celebrate, the next week might be a little rough. Tender teeth, sore gums, and general discomfort are all normal parts of the process, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from going through with your treatment! Continue reading to find some easy ways to manage discomfort and stay on track.
Prepare for Pressure from Your Invisalign Aligners
The first thing you should do is mentally prepare. Invisalign works by shifting your teeth into place over time, and it’s only through this gentle pressure that you’ll see results. So, if your teeth are feeling a little strange, it means the treatment is doing its job!
Still, since the movement of your teeth is constantly breaking down and rebuilding bone, it can feel like soreness or a dull ache. This can be especially pronounced in the first few days after you start or switch to a new tray.
Use Bedtime for the Switch
If you don’t want to deal with the brunt of the discomfort when you switch out your aligner, you could try to sleep through it. Pop in your new aligners right before bed to give your teeth several hours to adjust while you rest.
Your body naturally produces hormones that will keep you asleep. So, by the time you wake up, the worst of the discomfort may already be behind you.
Try Medicine or Cold for Relief
While your tooth tenderness will usually fade after a few days, it’s a good idea to stock up on some generic pain medication like ibuprofen. You could also try using some topical anesthetic, like benzocaine gel, to numb the worst areas.
If your teeth or jaw feels extra sore, try a cold compress for 10–15 minutes on the outside of your cheek. This can be repeated every 30 minutes until your discomfort subsides. These methods are both great for reducing inflammation and bringing overall pain levels down.
Switch to Softer Foods
Crunchy snacks and chewy foods can be painful when your mouth is already tender. So, stick with soft menu items like smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, or yogurt for the first couple of days. Once your soreness fades, you can return to your usual favorites.
Keep Your Invisalign Aligners In
The more you wear your aligners, the faster your mouth adjusts. Taking them out too often can actually extend your discomfort and delay your progress. Try to wear them the recommended 20–22 hours a day, even if they’re uncomfortable.
There’s no way around the fact that a little soreness is normal during Invisalign treatment. But with the tips above, you’ll be back to smiling quickly so you can stick to your treatment plan and get one step closer to a straight, confident grin.
About the Author
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Drabik has been helping his patients achieve straightened smiles for a long time. He earned his dental doctorate from SUNY at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine and completed his orthodontic training at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Today, he offers a variety of quality treatments to boost your confidence. Call (585) 872-4660 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Drabik Orthodontics of Webster or visit our website to learn more.