Imagine showing off a beautiful, healthy smile and knowing your oral health is better than ever before! You could stun everyone you meet with your straight, beautiful teeth. With Invisalign treatment, it’s possible without painful wires and brackets.
Unfortunately, you could experience mild discomfort as your teeth and gums adjust to Invisalign treatment. Read on to learn how to relieve tooth pain from Invisalign.
Use these tips to avoid pain that may otherwise delay your treatment plan!
Adjust Your Diet
Your eating habits could contribute to the pain you’re experiencing. Don’t worry; you don’t have to limit your diet to bland soups or oatmeal. In fact, one of the best Invisalign benefits is that it doesn’t affect your diet.
A few small changes could ease the discomfort you’re experiencing as you adjust to your aligners. Try:
- Cutting meat into small pieces
- Blending fruits into a smoothie
- Avoiding hard foods like nuts and crackers
- Eating soft foods
After meals, brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, you could delay your treatment plan.
You can learn more about Invisalign treatment timelines here.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit perfectly around your feet. Their pointed edges could cause some discomfort.
To relieve the pain, try cushioning these edges with orthodontic wax. Make sure your aligners snap into place to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Apply a Compress
Apply a cold compress to your face if you experience pain and swelling. You can also drink cold water or suck on ice cubes.
Don’t chew on ice, which could cause pain and sensitivity. Instead, try chewing on Invisalign chewies (especially when you first begin treatment).
Invisalign chewies can help you adjust to wearing your aligners. For additional pain relief, try using over-the-counter painkillers.
Wait Until Bedtime
The average length of Invisalign treatment is about 22.8 months. Patients used an average of 64.1 aligners in that time. When you need to switch to a new set of aligners, wait until bedtime.
Your teeth and gums will adjust to the new, tighter aligners while you sleep.
When it’s time to remove your aligners to brush your beautiful teeth, use an aligner retrieval tool. If you struggle to remove your aligners, they could scratch your gums. You could experience additional pain while your gums heal.
Your pain should heal one to three days after you wear a new set of aligners. If your pain persists, talk to your orthodontist. They can provide additional tips for pain relief.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain From Invisalign
Learning how to relieve tooth pain from Invisalign treatment can take some trial and error. Use these tips to determine which tactics work best for you. Otherwise, talk to your orthodontist about your treatment plan.
Keeping up with your treatment can lead to a better smile. In addition to straight, beautiful teeth, you can also improve your oral health.
Want to experience the benefits of straight teeth? Talk to your orthodontist about beginning treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment!