If you’ve been considering Invisalign treatment but are worried about pain and sore teeth from Invisalign, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions that Dr. Bob Bryan gets from patients. And, as an orthodontist in Hamburg, it’s one of the easiest to answer: no, Invisalign is not painful.
In fact, compared to traditional braces, undergoing orthodontic treatment that is Invisalign in Hamburg is a breeze. There may be some initial discomfort when you first start wearing the aligners, but this quickly goes away as your mouth adjusts to the new aligners.
With that said, here are 7 tips to help you with sore teeth and gums from the initial stages and every Invisalign aligner replacement.
Why Do I Feel Discomfort?
There are a few things that can affect how much discomfort you feel while wearing Invisalign. First of all, if your teeth are very crooked, you may feel more pressure and pain when your aligners are FIRST put on.
This is because your teeth are being moved further than they’re used to, and it takes some time to get used to the pressure, but this discomfort should go away after a few days.
Secondly, if you have sensitive teeth, you may feel more discomfort than others when wearing Invisalign. This is because the aligners put pressure on your teeth, which can be uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth.
However, there are a few things you can do to help reduce this discomfort, such as using a dental desensitizing gel or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that Invisalign is not supposed to be painful. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain or discomfort, it’s important to contact your orthodontist so they can make sure everything is okay.
Tips to Ease Sore Teeth and gums from Invisalign
Cold Compress –
If you’re like most people, the thought of wearing braces is enough to make your teeth hurt. But what about when you’ve just started with Invisalign, and your teeth and gums start to feel sore?
That’s where a cold compress can come in handy. Applying a cold compress to your teeth and gums can help to reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
Drink Ice Cold Water –
Perhaps the first thing you should reach for after a long day of wearing Invisalign is a cold beverage. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, you may want to consider switching to warm drinks for the next few days.
That’s because cold water can actually ease the soreness by numbing the teeth and gums from soreness which is common after Invisalign treatment. The best way to ease this discomfort is to drink plenty of fluids at room temperature or warmer. This will help to soothe the inflammation and promote healing.
Ice Cubes –
Suck it but don’t chew it! Just like cold water, ice cubes help numb the sore area of your mouth from Invisalign. Not only does it help to numb the pain, but it also helps to reduce inflammation. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than taking pain medication. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it, as too much ice can damage your teeth.
Avoid Almonds and Hard Foods –
If you’re avoiding nuts to ease the soreness of teeth and gums from Invisalign, you may be barking up the wrong tree. While it’s true that nuts can be tough on teeth, they’re not the only culprit when it comes to gum soreness.
In fact, anything that’s hard or chewy can cause gum soreness, including candy, chips, and even some types of bread. So, if you’re looking to take a break from nuts, there are plenty of other foods you can enjoy without worries. Just be sure to avoid anything that’s hard or chewy, and you’ll be on your way to a comfortable smile.
Indulge in Ice Cream –
In fact, we allow patients to eat ice cream as a method of coping with Invisalign-related soreness. But why ice cream? It’s all about the temperature.
Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, which helps to ease the pain and swelling associated with Invisalign. And the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream is gentle on sore gums.
So next time your orthodontist recommends eating ice cream for your Invisalign soreness, don’t be surprised- it’s one of the best ways to reduce inflammation and get relief from discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers –
No one likes to experience pain, especially when it comes to our teeth and gums. After all, they are some of the most sensitive parts of our body. So, it’s no surprise that many people turn to painkillers when their teeth and gums become sore from wearing Invisalign.
However, while painkillers may provide temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution. For one thing, they can mask the underlying cause of the pain, which may be an infection or other serious condition. Additionally, they can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
So, if you’re looking for a way to ease the discomfort of teeth and gums from Invisalign, there’s no problem taking OTC painkillers, BUT it should be the last on your list of options.
If the pain is unbearable and lasts long, give your orthodontist a call!
Orajel –
If you’re considering Invisalign, you may be wondering whether or not you’ll be able to handle the soreness that comes with it. Obviously, every case is different, but we generally recommend using Orajel to help ease the discomfort.
Applying it before you go to bed can help you get a good night’s sleep, and it will make it easier to get through the day. In addition, we find that Orajel is particularly helpful for those who have sensitive teeth or gums.
Conclusion
Discomfort is a part of life, and that includes discomfort from wearing Invisalign. When you first start to wear them, it’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort. However, this is only temporary as your teeth begin to adjust to the new aligners.
Just like with any new change, it takes some time to get used to it. So, hang in there and weather the storm of pain—it’ll all be worth it in the end! If you’re looking for more tips on how to get through your Invisalign treatment, or if you have any other questions. Schedule a consultation at Dr. Bob Bryan’s clinic today.
