December 12, 2020
Invisalign clear aligners offer several important benefits over traditional metal braces, including providing a more comfortable orthodontic treatment. Without any sharp metal wires or brackets, smooth Invisalign aligners are designed to glide past your lips, gums, and tongue instead of causing sores. However, any method of moving teeth into their ideal positions is going to cause some uncomfortable symptoms, including Invisalign. Here are seven practical ways to manage Invisalign discomfort in Allen on your journey towards a straighter smile.
1.) Use a Cold Compress or Ice Pack
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to your face is a great way to reduce the inflamed tissues in your mouth. Follow a “10 minutes on, 10 minutes off” pattern to help numb your sore gums and teeth.
2.) Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
If you’re feeling particularly uncomfortable, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to ease swelling. You may want to consider taking pain medication an hour before switching trays to give them time to take effect before your discomfort starts.
3.) Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Mix half a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth out with the solution. Saltwater naturally helps soothe inflammation, ease soreness, and sanitize irritated tissues.
4.) Eat or Drink Cold Things
Similar to using an ice pack or cold compress, taking the time to enjoy smoothies, ice cream, frozen yogurt, cold applesauce, or iced beverages is a delicious way to numb mouth soreness while giving your mood a boost!
5.) Avoid Crunchy Foods
Right after switching to a new set of aligners, you should avoid putting extra pressure on your teeth. Avoid hard, crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing and stick to softer foods instead.
6.) Switch to New Aligners Right Before Bed
It’s likely you’ll experience the most discomfort within the first few hours of switching to a new set of aligners. Many Invisalign patients find that starting new aligners right before going to bed allows them to sleep through those hours where their teeth are the most sensitive and wake up with minimize discomfort.
7.) Talk to Your Dentist
Any discomfort from your Invisalign aligners should be minimal, easily managed, and short-lived. If your soreness is severe or localized to a single spot, get in contact with your Allen cosmetic dentist. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be delt with, or they may be able to adjust your aligners so they’re more comfortable. If you have any questions or concerns about discomfort during your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist!
With Invisalign, you can expect a relatively comfortable straightening experience. Use these seven practical tips to combat any discomfort you encounter on your way towards a straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Christina Blacher of P.A. Dental Arts loves to provide comfortable, compassionate, and high-quality dentistry to the smiles of Allen and the surrounding communities. With state-of-the-art technology and a wide variety of delightful patient amenities, she goes above and beyond to make each appointment as pleasant as possible. She’s also completed extensive advanced training and is an Invisalign Preferred Provider, so you can rest assured that your care is in the best of hands when you choose to straighten your smile! If you have more questions about Invisalign, she can be contacted via her website or at (214) 383-5511.
