Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces for straightening smiles. This treatment gently repositions your teeth using clear plastic aligner trays rather than bulky metal brackets. Patients love that this discrete option can perfect their grin without causing as much self-consciousness about their appearance.
Every 1 to 2 weeks, your dentist will provide a new set of aligners to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Because they apply enough pressure to push your pearly whites, you might experience some discomfort when you put in new trays. Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate the impact. Keep reading to learn about 5 ways to alleviate potential aches from wearing Invisalign!
Tip #1: Try a Cold Compress
Holding an ice pack or other cold compress to your face provides a temporary numbing sensation to alleviate soreness. It can also reduce any inflammation that might occur when you first put in a new set of Invisalign trays.
Tip #2: Use Appropriate Medications
In most cases, it’s usually safe to take a mild dose of over-the-counter medications to alleviate any uncomfortable sensations. Ibuprofen and Tylenol are popular options, but if you’re not sure what to take, be sure to ask your doctor.
If you want to get ahead of the issue, you can take your meds an hour or so before putting in your updated aligners. That way it’ll kick in before the pain does.
Tip #3: Swish with Salt Water
Saltwater is a great at-home remedy to reduce swollen or sore gums. Plus, it’s a natural disinfectant that will cleanse and soothe any raw areas that might have developed. For this method, simply mix half a teaspoon of table salt in a glass with warm water. Then take a sip and gently swirl it around your mouth, teeth, and gums before spitting it out. Repeat the process until there is no more water left.
Tip #4: Switch Before Bed
New aligners tend to cause the most problems within the first few hours of wearing them. You can potentially pass through this period relatively unscathed by sleeping through it! Try switching to the new trays just before bed so that you can rest through the most sensitive period.
Tip #5: Avoid Hard Foods
Your mouth exerts more pressure on your teeth when you chomp into something hard than when biting into softer foods. That means if you’re eating crunchy foods right away, you’re likely to exacerbate any aches. Do your best to stick to softer foods during the first 2-3 meals with your new aligners so you don’t aggravate your mouth any further.
Now that you know how to assuage any potential pain, you can expect smoother sailing throughout the remainder of your treatment!
About the Practice
At First Impressions Dentistry of Yukon, you benefit from multiple experts who work together to provide a full range of services under one roof, including Invisalign. They believe that you deserve to play an active role in the process of perfecting your smile and take the time to help you understand what’s involved in each treatment. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, they enhance patient comfort while providing quality, long-lasting results. If you’re interested in straightening your smile, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (405) 354-4806.
