Virtual Appointment
Many patients choose Invisalign because the transparent trays are considered more visually discreet and comfortable than traditional orthodontics. Not only does this treatment allow your natural enamel to shine through, but it also won’t gouge the tender tissues inside your mouth.
However, any treatment that exerts enough force over your teeth to shift them can potentially make you feel sore, and Invisalign is no exception. It’s normal to experience some throbbing when you first start wearing new trays, but you can try these 3 helpful tips to alleviate the ache!
Tip #1: Gradually Increase Wear Time
Your orthodontist likely already informed you that you’ll need to keep your trays inserted for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their starting positions. Then, after a week or two, you’ll be given the next set of aligners in your series to account for their ongoing movement.
If you’re new to Invisalign, you can expect to feel sore when you first begin regularly wearing the transparent trays. One way to help ease this transition is by gradually increasing your wear time to meet your goal. For example, you might start by wearing them for a few hours each day and gradually increase by an hour or two daily until you reach the allotted time. This allows your teeth and gums to acclimate more slowly for a more comfortable experience.
Tip #2: Stick to Softer Foods at First
Another reason Invisalign continues to gain popularity is that the clear trays are completely removable, meaning there are no dietary restrictions. You can enjoy all your favorite foods because you shouldn’t have them in your mouth during meals, as you could harm them.
However, if your gums feel swollen or achy, you might want to opt for softer foods that are easier to bite and chew without triggering additional tenderness. Popular choices might include yogurt, applesauce, cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and blended fruit smoothies.
Tip #3: Take Over-the-Counter Medications
If you’re feeling so sore that you can’t concentrate during the day or get to sleep at night, there’s no reason to continue suffering when there are medications that might be able to help. Taking the recommended dosage of over-the-counter options, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can ease the throbbing, allowing you to enjoy a well-earned reprieve.
Thankfully, aches from Invisalign tend to dissipate on their own after a few days. If you experience severe or persistent pain for more than a week, contact your provider so they can ensure your trays fit correctly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Saba Asrar has nearly 20 years of experience enhancing patients’ lives by improving their oral health. She completed her specialization in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and is one of only a few orthodontists in the nation to be chosen to be part of the Advisory Board of the Council of Innovative Orthodontics for 3M. Today, she offers a full array of services to people of all ages to help straighten their smiles, including Invisalign. You can request a consultation on the website or by calling (512) 828-7900.
