Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

Invisalign is a type of dental brace made of clear plastic used to address teeth alignment problems. This has become a very popular option for straightening teeth because it is much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Many people also find them more comfortable to wear. However, some people are hesitant to try Invisalign because they fear the treatment will be painful. Today, Ashburton Dental Centre will answer some of our patient’s commonly asked questions about Invisalign treatment.

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

As with any type of orthodontic treatment, discomfort or pain is always a risk. However, with Invisalign, this risk is minimal. Most patients report experiencing very little to no discomfort during their treatment. Here are some possible painful symptoms you may experience:

• Sensitive Teeth:
  Some patients may find that their teeth are more sensitive than usual when wearing Invisalign. This is because the aligners put pressure on your teeth, which can cause them to become a little sensitive or painful. 

• Sore Gums:
  Another common complaint is sore gums. This is also due to the pressure the Invisalign aligner puts on your teeth. If your gums are sore, try using a soft toothbrush when brushing. The soreness should go away within a week or so.

• Headaches:
  Some patients also report headaches when wearing Invisalign. This is most likely due to the movement of your teeth, which can put slight pressure on your jaw. If you are getting headaches, try taking over-the-counter pain medication or see your dentist for more help.

Generally, the discomfort associated with Invisalign is relatively minor and should go away within a few days. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact your orthodontist immediately. They will be able to help you determine what is causing your pain and how it should be addressed.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Cause Pain?

While Invisalign is generally very effective and comfortable, some people may experience mild pain while wearing the aligner trays. This can be due to the following:

• Aligners Putting Pressure on Gums:
  The aligners may put pressure on your gums, causing slight discomfort. This is usually temporary and will go away as your gums adjust to the aligners. If the pain persists, however, you should talk to your orthodontist about adjusting the fit of your aligners.

• Teeth Shifting:
  As your teeth shift into place, you may feel some discomfort. This is normal and should lessen as your teeth become accustomed to their new positions. 

• Allergic Reaction:
  Invisalign is made of a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate. In some rare cases, people may be allergic to this material. If you start to experience pain, swelling, or redness after wearing your aligners, it could be an allergic reaction. Remove your aligners and call your orthodontist right away. 

• Improper Fit:
  If your Invisalign aligners do not fit properly, they can rub against your gums and cause irritation. Additionally, deformed trays can put pressure on your teeth and gums, leading to pain.

• Wearing Invisalign for Too Long:
  If you wear your Invisalign aligners for too long, they can start to irritate your gums. It is important to remove your aligners at least once a day to clean them and give your teeth and gums a break. 

• Brushing Too Hard:
  Be sure to use gentle strokes when brushing your teeth. Brushing too hard can damage your gums and cause pain. If your gums become red or swollen after brushing, cut back on the pressure you’re using.

• Poor Dental Hygiene:
  If you don’t take care of your mouth, you’re more likely to experience pain while wearing Invisalign. Stay on top of your oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular cleanings. If you have an infection or other dental problem, it must be addressed before you can start wearing Invisalign again.

• Cavities:
  If you have cavities, they need to be addressed before you can start wearing Invisalign. The aligners can put pressure on your teeth and make the pain worse.

• Tightening of the Aligners:
  Every few weeks, you will need to have your Invisalign aligners replaced and new attachments may be added to your teeth. You may experience some mild pain or discomfort as you adjust to your new set of aligners and attachments.

• Sores from the Aligners:
  The plastic aligners can rub against your gums and cheeks, causing mouth sores. 

In most cases, the pain associated with Invisalign is mild and temporary. However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to seek help from your dentist. Severe pain could be a sign of an infection or other serious dental health condition.

Also Read :- Tips for Eating While Wearing Invisalign

What Is The Adjustment Period For New Aligners?

The adjustment period refers to the time it takes for your teeth and mouth to get used to wearing aligners. The length of time can vary from person to person but it usually takes around two weeks. During this time, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness as your teeth adjust to the pressure being applied by the aligners. We recommend wearing your new aligners before bed to give your teeth a chance to get used to them while you sleep.

How Can I Avoid Pain During Treatment?

Here are a few things you can do to minimise discomfort during Invisalign treatment.

• Take Breaks:
  First, remember to take breaks. You should only wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, so give your teeth a break every once in a while. 

• Use Wax:
  If you’re finding that your aligners are rubbing against your gums and causing discomfort, try using some dental wax. This will create a barrier between the aligners and your gums, preventing irritation.

• Rinse with Salt Water:
  Another way to soothe any minor discomfort is to rinse your mouth with salt water. This will help reduce inflammation and can also remove any food particles that may be caught in your aligners.
  
  
• Keep Mouth Healthy:
  Lastly, it’s important to keep your mouth healthy and follow proper oral hygiene habits during treatment. This means brushing and flossing regularly, as well as keeping up with your regular dental visits. By taking care of your oral health, you can help reduce the risk of discomfort and other issues.

Are There Any Red Flags To Watch Out For When Receiving Invisalign?

If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, it’s important to be aware of any potential red flags or symptoms that could indicate a problem. While Invisalign is generally a safe and effective way to straighten teeth, there are a few things that could go wrong. Here are four signs that you should see your dentist during your orthodontic treatment:

• Excessive pain or discomfort:
  While some soreness and discomfort are to be expected when you first start Invisalign treatment, it shouldn’t be excessive. If you’re in a lot of pain or your teeth are extremely sensitive, something may be wrong. Be sure to see your dentist so they can determine the cause of the pain and make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

• Loose or broken aligners:
  If your aligners become loose or cracked, it’s important to see your dentist right away. Wearing damaged aligners could cause further damage to your teeth or cause you to experience more pain and discomfort.

• Changes in your bite:
  If you notice that your bite has changed or that your teeth no longer fit together the way they did before, it’s important to see your dentist. These changes could be a sign that your Invisalign treatment isn’t progressing as planned and that you may need to make some adjustments.

• Excessive plaque buildup:
  If you notice that you’re starting to develop more plaque on your teeth, it’s important to see your dentist. Plaque can cause cavities and other problems, so it’s important to remove them frequently.

If you experience any of these problems, it’s important to see your dentist right away. They’ll examine your teeth and aligners to determine what’s causing the problem and provide the treatment you need.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Invisalign treatment is not painful. Some people may experience discomfort or pressure sores when the aligners are first worn, but these are both temporary and will go away after a few days. If you are considering Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment, don’t let the fear of pain stop you from getting the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you have any other questions about Invisalign treatment, please feel free to get in touch with Ashburton Dental Centre. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you start on the path to a straighter and more beautiful smile. Contact our clinic or book an appointment online today!