So the decision has been taken. You weighed the pros and the cons of Invisalign, looked up Invisalign cost, and did research about Invisalign. Along with your dentist, you decided to go through an Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth. The big question now is: Does Invisalign hurt? How painful is it and how do you deal with Invisalign tooth pain? We answer everything in the following article!
Does Invisalign hurt?
Compared to braces, Invisalign is a lot less painful. Pain with Invisalign is more about discomfort caused by your teeth moving. The aligners themselves are not the ones that will cause pain. So if you’re wondering “is Invisalign painful”, it is actually moving and aligning your teeth that cause mild pain and discomfort.
How painful is Invisalign?
Because Invisalign aligners are made of flexible plastic that fits comfortably on your teeth, they hurt way less than traditional braces. The reason for this is that braces also require wires and are made of metal, which hurt the mouth, gums, and teeth. Patients who have gone through an Invisalign treatment report the pain and discomfort to be mild and temporary.
Why does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign aligners are designed to gradually straighten your teeth. Your teeth hurt with Invisalign as they move to align and for your issue (overbite, crowded teeth, teeth gap, or other) to be completely fixed within a timeframe.
4 tips to reduce Invisalign pain
During the first days of your Invisalign treatment, you will most probably experience tooth pain. There are a few ways that can help you deal with Invisalign pain. Here are some tips:
Avoid hard foods
During the beginning of your treatment, or as often as you can, try to avoid chewing on hard food. Go for soft food instead as it is more gentle on your teeth and jaw.
Keep your aligners on most of the time
Even though it is tempting to remove your aligners when you feel pain, it is advised you keep them on. The more you keep your Invisalign aligners on, the more you get used to them, and the less they hurt. Also, don’t forget to make sure they fit correctly. Also, if it is time to switch aligners and use new ones, start with those just before bed. This will allow you to adjust while sleeping and therefore feel less pain.
Numb the painful area with ice or gel
Apply an ice pack or a cold compress on the skin, or even drink cold water. This will help numb the painful area, causing you less pain. Orajel is also a way to numb your gums and teeth where there is pain. Just make sure you take off your aligners before applying them.
Painkillers
Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can also help with the pain. You can also take some just before wearing your new set of aligners to prevent any pain at all.
How long does Invisalign hurt?
The Invisalign discomfort and pain usually last only a few days. When you get new aligners, you will feel a bit of pressure on your teeth. This is a very good sign as it means your teeth are moving! So Invisalign is actually supposed to hurt for a short period of time. The more you get used to your aligners, the less pain you will feel. Once your aligners feel loose (usually 2 weeks after wearing them), it means it is time for your new tray (What is Invisalign Teen article), which will also hurt for the first few days as you grow used to it again.
When does Invisalign stop hurting?
Invisalign teeth do hurt, but there is some good news. It doesn’t last the whole treatment! As you gradually become used to the treatment and Invisalign aligners, the pain can easily stop after a few trays.
Key takeaways about pain from Invisalign
While there is pain and discomfort that comes with wearing Invisalign aligners, they will hurt way less than traditional braces. Pain from Invisalign is manageable and doesn't last for long. Read more about Invisalign and Invisalign teen here and here (What is Invisalign article, What is Invisalign Teen article). You can also check everything you need to know about the cost of an Invisalign treatment here (Invisalign cost article).
