Invisalign, well-known for its discretion and convenience, stands out as an excellent alternative to traditional braces. It uses clear, plastic, and removeable aligners to move your teeth gradually to a more desired position—so not only will no one notice your teeth, you can eat and drink whatever you want. 

One of the common questions patients ask before choosing Invisalign is whether or not it is more painful than traditional braces. Invisalign may cause some discomfort, but typically, this discomfort is mild and subsides within a week. If you’re concerned about pain with Invisalign, talk to your dentist. There are things they can do to help you feel more comfortable.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment designed to straighten your teeth and correct alignment issues, like crowding or bite. It uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually reposition your teeth.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be easily removed for meals, tooth brushing, and flossing, making them a preferable choice for those seeking a subtle method for orthodontic correction. 

The aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. Then, every 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll wear a new set of aligners. This process gradually shifts your teeth. Generally, patients and dentists will schedule appointments every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress.

Does Invisalign Cause Pain?

As shifting your bite puts pressure on your teeth, you might experience irritation or discomfort when adjusting to each new aligner. Several factors impact how likely you are to experience discomfort, including:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Your personal level of pain tolerance
• The health of your gums and teeth

In one study of 54 patients, 83% adjusted to their aligners within a week, and 35% experienced no pain. 54% experienced mild pain, and 44% said they had trouble chewing. In a more recent study, wearers of traditional braces reported significantly more discomfort than Invisalign wearers over the first week of active treatment.

Invisalign is made of a patented thermoplastic material and lacks the metal brackets and small parts in traditional braces. These parts can scratch the inside of the mouth, causing pain and discomfort.

Treating Invisalign Discomfort

There are ways to mitigate the discomfort associated with Invisalign, such as:

• Dental wax: Applying dental wax to the top edges of Invisalign aligners can help reduce gum pain.
• Eating habits: If your discomfort is regional, chewing on the side of your mouth that doesn’t hurt can help.
• Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin can help relieve the most significant pain in the first few days of treatment. Talk to your doctor before taking medication, especially if you use other medications or have other health conditions.
• Consistent wear: Taking your aligners out can reduce your pain tolerance to them, so try to stick to the length of wear time recommended by your dentist. 

When to Be Concerned

During the first week of wearing new Invisalign aligners, mild pain in the teeth, jaws, and tongue can be expected. But if the pain is significant enough to impair your everyday life, talk to your dentist. 

You should also contact your dentist as soon as possible if you experience bleeding in your teeth or gums, sensitivity to heat or cold, or pain while eating, drinking, or swallowing. Pain that occurs along with swelling should also require a dentist’s attention.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person. According to Invisalign, the result can appear in as few as 6 months. Your dentist can provide a more accurate estimate of your personal timeline.

Invisalign’s effectiveness depends on factors such as:

• The severity of your dental misalignment
• How committed you are to wear daily

After you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, your dentist or orthdontist will inform you about the requirement for retainers. 

Caring for Your Invisalign

Once you have Invisalign, maintaining the aligners is straightforward. Remember to:

• Remove your Invisalign when eating or drinking anything other than water.
• Brush your teeth thoroughly before reinserting the aligners to prevent food particle buildup.
• Brush and rinse your aligners before inserting them—don’t use hot water, as that can cause the plastic to warp.
• Invisalign produces its own cleaning products—ask your dentist where to buy them.
• If your aligners break, contact your dentist right away for a replacement.

When you receive your Invisalign aligners, your dentist will provide instructions on how to clean them.

How Generation Dental Can Help 

If you're contemplating Invisalign to address your dental issues, the first step is to visit us at Generations Dental. Our team will examine your teeth and help create an Invisalign treatment plan. We’ll get you on the path to a straigtened, confident smile. 

Generations Dental has been serving the Grande Prairie area for over thirty years. We aim to provide a personalized and stress-free dental experience. Book an appointment today.