Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Invisalign offers clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth. This discreet option is nearly completely undetectable when you smile, making it a great choice for teens or adults who want straighter teeth without all of the metal brackets and wires. Most patients that choose clear aligner orthodontics in Greeneville agree that Invisalign is comfortable since the aligners are smooth and wire-free. However, you may still experience slight discomfort occasionally, like when switching to your next set of aligners. Today on the blog, Invisalign providers in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care share ways to deal with Invisalign discomfort so that you can remain on track for your results.
What causes Invisalign discomfort?
For the most part, patients agree that Invisalign is quite comfortable. However, every few weeks, you change out your aligners for the next set in your treatment program. Similar to braces, Invisalign slowly aligns your teeth by applying precise and intentional pressure. Therefore, changing to a new set means applying pressure slightly different than before, which may cause discomfort for some individuals.
How to reduce Invisalign discomfort
Stay on Track
For best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 22-24 hours a day, taking them out only when you eat or drink. While you might be tempted to leave your aligners stored in their container to help lessen your discomfort, we don’t recommend doing that because it will delay your results. Continue wearing your aligners as prescribed. In most cases, the minor discomfort subsides within a couple of days, and there are a few small adjustments you can make to help make that time more bearable.
Switch at Night
In most cases, the aligner discomfort will take place within the first 24-48 hours. Therefore, we recommend switching to a new set at night. That way, your teeth will begin adjusting to the new pressure while sleeping, instead of during the day when you’re carrying out your usual activities.
Apply Ice
If the discomfort occurs while you’re awake, apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes at a time. This could help with any pain. Just be sure to wrap the ice pack in a soft cloth, and avoid placing ice directly onto your skin. You can apply an ice pack several times a day to help relieve any discomfort.
Eat Soft Foods
During this time, you may want to stick to easy to chew or soft foods. Puree fruits into a smoothie, or eat soup filled with veggies to ensure you receive proper nutrition. However, you may want to put off eating steak or crusty bread until your discomfort subsides.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If the discomfort becomes unbearable or interferes with your ability to function throughout the day or sleep at night, consider taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, please check with your primary doctor to ensure these medications are safe for you to take.
Invisalign Providers in Greeneville TN
Getting straight teeth can make a difference in your smile confidence, and Invisalign just might be the right choice for you. However, if you already wear Invisalign aligners but deal with intermittent discomfort when switching to a new set, we encourage you to follow our tips above to help relieve your pain. But you should speak with your dentist if your pain persists or becomes unmanageable. Call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider near you.