Are you trying to figure out how to relieve tooth pain from Invisalign? Here are the greatest tips from a dentist in Tarrytown, NY.
More than half of all Americans feel insecure about their teeth. Can you relate? Do you hate smiling in photos or showing off your grin at all?
If your discomfort comes from your teeth being crooked, there's an easy solution: Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can help you get straight teeth without the discomfort or obvious appearance of standard metal braces.
However, Invisalign can still be uncomfortable for some people. We're here to teach you how to relieve tooth pain from Invisalign so you can go through your treatment in peace without feeling the need to throw in the towel.
You're on your path toward a better smile, and you can do it almost pain-free! Read on to learn more.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate some of that pesky pain and discomfort. Invisalign pain isn't troublesome enough for prescription pain relievers.
Follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult your orthodontist if you have concerns about using them. Remember that over-using these over-the-counter medications can be damaging to your liver, so take them in moderation.
Switch Aligners at Night
When you start your Invisalign treatment, your dental professional will have you change aligners either every week-or every other week, depending on your treatment plan. This is when many people experience the most discomfort.
When you wear a new set of aligners, they'll be tight and uncomfortable because your teeth don't quite fit in them yet. They have to move! This can cause some soreness.
Change to a new set of aligners in the evening so your teeth have time to adjust while you sleep. This can minimize discomfort during the day. You may still be uncomfortable, but it should be more tolerable.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Sometimes the discomfort from moving your teeth isn't the only type of
Invisalign pain you'll experience. The aligners themselves are soft and smooth, but they can still irritate your mouth, especially when you're still adjusting to them.
If your aligners cause irritation or sore spots on your cheeks, lips, or tongue, orthodontic wax can help you out. Apply a small amount to the rough edges of the aligners to prevent irritation.
Your dental professional may give you wax in your Invisalign kit, but if not, it's affordable and easy to find online or at many pharmacies.
Stay Hydrated
When you start your
Invisalign journey, everything may feel uncomfortable. This can include drinking water. Moving your mouth at all during those first few days can feel weird!
However, you should drink plenty of water to prevent a dry mouth, which can exacerbate your Invisalign-related discomfort. Water also helps keep your mouth clean and can reduce the risk of cavities and debris getting underneath your aligners (both of which will cause more discomfort).
Chew on a Chewie
Chewies will be your best friend when you're wearing Invisalign.
Chewies are soft and squishy "teething tools" that you can get either from your orthodontist or online. They help you set the aligners in their proper place by applying pressure when you bite down on them.
By getting the aligners in place, you'll minimize your discomfort. The pressure from chewing on the chewies can also feel nice on sore teeth. Be careful not to over-use them or swallow them, however.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is essential when you're going through Invisalign treatment.
You need to remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything aside from water. Brush and floss your teeth after eating to prevent food particles from getting trapped in the aligners, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of cavities.
Flossing and brushing this often may seem troublesome, but it will prevent a lot of problems down the line. It's worth it!
Follow the Orthodontist's Recommendations
Your orthodontist will provide specific guidelines for wearing and caring for your aligners. Some of them may seem silly, but remember that they've seen a lot of patients go through treatment and they know what's best.
Follow their instructions closely to ensure the treatment progresses well. If you have any serious pain, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about it. While minor discomfort is normal, serious pain could be a sign that someone is wrong and your treatment isn't going as planned.
They may be able to help or offer advice.
Keep Your Aligners In
The more you wear your aligners, the quicker your teeth will adjust, and the less discomfort you'll experience. Aim to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours per day.
Some people "let the discomfort win" and take their aligners out early. Remember that your teeth are only being adjusted when the aligners are on. When you take them out for a break, you're only prolonging the amount of time that they'll be hurting. You may even set back your progress!
Stay Patient
It's normal to experience discomfort when starting a new set of aligners. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days. Be patient and focus on the long-term benefits of your treatment.
You started your Invisalign treatment in pursuit of beautiful and straight teeth, right? You know what they say, "No pain, no gain." The discomfort is temporary, but your beautiful smile will be with you for decades to come.
That's How to Relieve Tooth Pain From Invisalign
Trying to figure out how to relieve tooth pain from Invisalign can be uncomfortable and frustrating. It's normal to get discouraged, but remember that at the end of all of this discomfort is a better smile that you'll feel so proud and happy to show off!
By using chewies, drinking water, trying over-the-counter pain medication, and just being patient, you can minimize that pesky pain and discomfort and endure this short-term struggle on your path to straight teeth.
Are you looking for a dentist in Tarrytown, NY who can help you start your Invisalign journey? At Broadway Cosmetic Dentist, we can help! We love helping our patients get the smiles they love.
Request an appointment with one of our talented dentists today.
