Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
Our Village Orthodontics - Niagara Falls team explains why your teeth may hurt a little while wearing clear aligners and how to deal with any pain you may experience.
Have you heard that mouth pain or sore teeth are common during treatment with clear aligners? Though this is true, you shouldn’t let it scare you away from this orthodontic treatment option.
When was the last time you pushed yourself to do another ten reps or walk a little further and felt a little sore afterwards? It's the same concept here: as your teeth move into their prescribed positions to help you achieve a straighter smile, they may become a little sore.
Today, we’ll discuss the challenges you may face during and following treatment, and how you can deal with the after-effects.
How much will my teeth hurt, and why?
Though not everyone feels soreness or pain during the treatment process, many will. Some describe it as a light pressure on their teeth on the first day they switch to a new clear aligner tray.
During treatment, your teeth will move only about .2 millimetres from the first day to the seventh that you wear a new clear aligner tray.
Trays are made of smooth plastic, and there are no wires (as with traditional braces) to poke or prod sensitive areas in your mouth, irritating. This plastic may also have a little more adaptability than other stiffer plastics, so pain should be minimal. In addition, your clear aligners will be tailored to your specific needs.
Home Remedies for Clear Aligner Pain
If you do feel a bit of pain while your teeth adjust to their new positions, there are some home remedies you can try:
Switch to your new aligners at night.
Because you'll be sleeping, switching to your new aligners at night may be the best option. This way, your mouth will have about 8 hours to get used to them, and any discomfort, pain, or tenderness you may experience will likely go away by the time you wake up.
Use dental wax.
Are your teeth or gums hurting as your clear aligners straighten them? Dental wax may be of assistance. Apply a small amount between your teeth and your aligners, or on any tender or sore areas. As your teeth adjust to your aligners, the wax will act as a cushion.
Rinse with warm saltwater.
A swish of salt water can help to relieve mouth sores. In 1 cup of warm water, only 12 teaspoons are required. Try it every few hours for 3 to 4 days, and see if it helps. Make sure you're flossing, brushing, and practising good at-home oral hygiene.
Eat cold foods.
Some patients report that indulging in a 100% fruit Popsicle or ice pop helps their gums to feel better after they switch aligners. Don’t forget to remove your clear aligners before you eat.
Take an over-the-counter pain killer.
If all else fails, over-the-counter painkillers can be just what you need to help alleviate mouth pain due to a new set of clear aligners.
Apply an ice pack.
Similar to a cold Popsicle, an ice pack, towel moistened with cold water or a cold compress can help to soothe a sore mouth and reduce inflammation.
See your dentist regularly.
One of the most important things to keep doing as you progress through your treatment with clear aligners is to keep seeing your dentist regularly - every four to six weeks.
They will check in on your smile and your progress, answer any questions you may have about whether what you are experiencing is normal, and provide advice.
Another advantage is that clear aligners rarely need to be adjusted, so your dentist won't have to tighten them as often as traditional braces, which can be painful.