Does Invisalign Cause Pain? Here is the Truth

Several orthodontic treatments exist, but none is close to Invisalign offered at Tansley Woods Dentistry in Burlington, Ontario. This teeth straightening method uses clear aligners made from high-quality SmartTrack material. Instead of using fixed metal appliances, Invisalign trays are removable and made from a smooth, flexible material that is gentle on your gums and cheeks. 

Since Invisalign entered the market, many people ditched traditional braces and switched to these invisible aligners. However, like any treatment, you may wonder whether Invisalign hurts. Dr. Thelam Nguyen will explain what you can expect from Invisalign treatment.

Does Invisalign hurt?

We’ll cut straight to it and answer the question. The quick answer: yes, Invisalign causes short-lived discomfort when you start using them. Scared? Don’t run yet! The truth is that any orthodontic treatment moves your teeth from their current position to the desired position. As you’d expect, this may hurt, but the discomfort is mild and temporary. 

The first week of use is when many Invisalign users experience discomfort. You will likely experience some pain in your teeth and jaw, although the discomfort may manifest in the jaw muscles and tongue. Although you may feel tightness and slight pain, it’s actually a good thing because it’s a sign that your aligners are working. 

Coping with Invisalign pain?

If you have had braces in the past, you know that Invisalign pain is far more tolerable. Besides pain during the adjustment period, Invisalign treatment is comfortable. The smooth aligners don’t have sharp edges or protruding wires that poke your cheeks and gums. Moreover, Invisalign aligners don’t have wires and brackets that need frequent adjustments, resulting in comfortable treatment. 

But since you may experience pain when using clear braces, we aren’t going to ignore that. Here are a few tips you can observe to minimize the discomfort. 

• Consider over-the-counter painkillers
• Avoid crunchy or hard foods for the first days
• Use a cold compress on the area with discomfort
• Use Invisalign chewies to soothe your mouth
• Start your new aligners before retiring to bed
• Opt for an experienced Invisalign provider

Invisalign treatment near me

Don’t let fear stop you from getting Invisalign treatment. Invisalign benefits far outweigh the discomfort you may experience during treatment. 

Ready to start your Invisalign journey in Burlington, ON? Please call (289) 273-4289 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thelam Nguyen.

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