Orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort, as the teeth shift in the bone. However, the sensation most patients experience is one of pressure, rather than sharp pain. Read on to learn why Invisalign doesn’t hurt the majority of patients.
Invisalign’s Smooth Alignment Trays
Invisalign was created to offer patients an alternative to traditional braces that use brackets and wires to align your teeth. In addition to empowering patients to eat whatever they like, and to undergo discreet orthodontic care, the comfort of Invisalign is undisputed.
Each set of alignment trays is meticulously created from medical grade, BPA-free thermoplastic polymers to snugly fit on your teeth. The materials used to make the Invisalign trays have been approved by the FDA for decades for use inside human bodies.
The smooth plastic is gentle on the delicate skin of the inside cheeks and lips. This eliminates the risk of laceration to the inside cheek, which although rare, can happen with traditional braces if a wire snaps.
Tooth discomfort is a rare side effect of Invisalign, but some people may experience a little sensitivity, due to the pressure being exerted on the teeth while they are moving. Incidentally, tooth sensitivity can also be a side effect of traditional braces, for the same reason.
Switching To New Trays During Your Invisalign Treatment
Nearly all patients who experience discomfort from Invisalign, experience it when they begin treatment or when switching to the next set of trays in their series. This is due to how Invisalign works.
Each set of trays that you’ll wear for 1-2 weeks has the teeth slightly more aligned than the previous position of your teeth. The plastic aligner gently squeezes your teeth into the straighter position with a gentle, consistent force. Traditional braces, which use a wire threaded through brackets to pull your teeth into alignment, can sometimes exert higher forces and therefore feel more uncomfortable. Overall, people have generally felt less discomfort with Invisalign than traditional braces.
Managing Discomfort During Invisalign Treatment
No two people are the same. So, although some people may not experience pain from orthodontic treatment, others may experience some discomfort. If you are dealing with pain from any form of orthodontic treatment, there are many safe ways to get relief.
- Apply ice packs to the face near the tender area
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or generic acetaminophen
- Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic such as Orajel or Anbesol
- Switch to a soft food diet temporarily
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water
If you experience severe pain that cannot be managed with any of these home remedies, be sure to notify your orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign
How Young Can Kids Get Invisalign?
Children who have all of their adult teeth are the best candidates for Invisalign Teen. This is generally around the age of 12 but may vary from child to child.
Can I Skip a Set of Invisalign Trays to Speed Up Treatment?
No. Putting too much force on the teeth can cause significant pain. In addition, skipping trays may cause poor “tracking” of your teeth in the aligner and actually prolong your treatment time.
Book a Consultation for Invisalign in Andover, MA
Dr. Broccoli and his team have helped thousands of teens and adults correct problems with their bite and misaligned teeth with Invisalign. If you’d like to learn if Invisalign is right for you or your teen, book an appointment by calling 978-475-0450.
