Millions of adults and teens around the world choose to straighten their teeth with Invisalign instead of traditional braces because it offers several unique benefits, one of those being that the treatment is extremely comfortable. Between the custom fit and smooth plastic, many patients quickly forget they are even wearing their aligners! But, like all orthodontics, Invisalign in Powell can cause a little soreness right at the beginning, as the aligners are applying a small amount of force to move the teeth. Thankfully, this is usually minor and goes away after a few days. To help speed the process along, be sure to take advantage of these 4 simple tips.
Switch Aligners Right Before Bedtime
You’ll be asked to change aligners about every two weeks as your treatment progresses, and usually, the first few hours after switching are the toughest. But, if you put on your new set of aligners right before going to bed, you’ll sleep through this part of the process.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If oral tenderness and soreness are really bothering you after putting on a new aligner, it’s OK to take an OTC medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol. Just be sure to not exceed the recommended dosage on the packaging. If this doesn’t help the pain go away, and it lasts for close to a week, then you should definitely contact your orthodontist in Powell. They can tweak your trays to ensure they fit much more comfortably.
Don’t Ignore Sharp Edges
A lot of technology and planning goes into creating every Invisalign tray, but sometimes, one may have a rough edge, which can end up irritating the nearby gum and lip tissue. If you notice one, get in touch with your orthodontist right away, and they’ll be able to smooth it out for you.
Notice Focused Sensitivity
Normally, the slight discomfort associated with Invisalign is mild and can be felt along the entire dental arch. However, if a particular tooth develops pain right after starting treatment, then the aligner might not be the problem. This could be a sign that the interior of the tooth is inflamed, and the pressure placed on the teeth has caused this to flare up. If concentrated dental pain doesn’t go away after a few days, visit your dentist, as you might have an infection that needs to be treated.
Trust the Professionals
You’ll find plenty of Do-It-Yourself videos online about tweaking Invisalign trays to make them fit better, and the idea is to help people avoid an extra trip to the orthodontist’s office. Messing with your aligners is ALWAYS a bad idea! Invisalign trays are designed to move the teeth in extremely precise ways, and trying to adjust them on your own can throw this off and literally add months to the treatment process.
So, if anything is bothering you about your aligners, visiting your orthodontist is always the wisest move—this is the most direct way to get the changes you need without causing extra problems.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified orthodontist who has been an Elite Invisalign Provider since 2017, and he prides himself on offering his patients completely customized treatments that deliver gorgeous results as well as a comfortable experience. If you’re having any issues with your Invisalign trays, or if you’re interested in getting started with the treatment, you can contact our team and schedule a FREE in-person consultation by clicking here.