Invisalign Pain and Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment

The Invisalign® orthodontic treatment is a popular option for discreetly and quickly correcting your smile. However, many people wonder about the potential discomfort associated with this treatment. In this article, we explore the different types of discomfort you might experience during an Invisalign® treatment, as well as tips for managing it effectively.

Is Invisalign® Treatment Painful?

This is THE question on many people's minds. Do Invisalign® aligners cause any pain during treatment? It depends on each patient. Rather than intense pain, many describe minor discomfort caused by several factors.

In general, most former Invisalign® users agree that the aligners are less painful than metal braces. Despite the potential discomforts we will discuss below, it is important to remember that Invisalign® was designed to correct dental issues quickly and without significant pain.

Rest assured, even if you experience some discomfort or side effects with Invisalign®, know that there is a solution for all of them!

Invisalign®: Potential Discomforts

Why do my dental aligners hurt? We'll tell you everything right below!

Tooth Soreness

The feeling of pressure on your teeth is the most common effect of Invisalign®. This discomfort is due to the gradual movement of your teeth to align them correctly. The soreness is mainly felt when changing aligners (every 7 to 10 days).

Some patients also describe increased tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. This is usually temporary and disappears as the teeth adapt to the aligners.

Discomfort While Eating

Pain while eating is a major concern for many Invisalign® patients. Indeed, when you wear your aligners for the first few weeks, you may feel some soreness on certain teeth during meals. The pressure exerted by the aligners can make chewing uncomfortable, especially when you switch to a new set of aligners.

To alleviate this discomfort, we recommend eating soft and easy-to-chew foods for the first few days after changing aligners. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could worsen the pain.

Headaches

Although less common, some patients report mild headaches during the first few days of Invisalign® treatment. This may be due to the initial stress on the teeth and jaw as they adapt to the aligners.

To mitigate headaches, make sure to stay well-hydrated and get enough rest. If headaches persist, consult your orthodontist.

Tongue and Gum Irritation

It is also common to experience slight irritation of the tongue and gums at the beginning of the Invisalign® treatment. This is because your aligners or your dental attachments can rub against your tongue and the soft tissues of your mouth. Some irritation may occur in the first few weeks as your mouth gets used to the daily presence of the aligners.

To reduce this irritation, your orthodontist may recommend using orthodontic wax to smooth the edges of the aligners. Soothing mouth rinses can also help relieve discomfort.

How Long Does Aligner Discomfort Last?

So, how long will this discomfort last? Again, it depends on each person. Know that the pain associated with Invisalign® is generally temporary and diminishes over time. Your mouth gets used to the presence of aligners over the weeks, resulting in less irritation and less pain.

For most patients, the discomfort caused by the aligners usually lasts a few days after changing each aligner, up to a few weeks for some more complex cases.

How to Relieve Discomfort from Invisalign® Aligners

You're probably wondering: what is the solution to avoid this pain and discomfort? There are several ways to soothe the discomfort caused by your aligners:

• Switch to new aligners in the evening before bed to facilitate adaptation overnight.
• Opt for cold and soft foods in case of tooth soreness.
• Applying an ice pack can also provide immediate relief.
• In case of gum irritation, use orthodontic wax to protect it.
• Be sure to see your orthodontist regularly for proper follow-up and adjustments if necessary.

Want to know what former aligner users have to say? Check out all the reviews on Invisalign® aligners!