It is often said that beauty does not come without a little pain, and anyone who has set out to straighten their teeth can attest to that. Wearers of metal braces usually have to manage toothaches and mouth ulcers to achieve the perfect smile. But are things any different with Invisalign trays? If you are considering Invisalign to correct your teeth, you may be wondering how comfortable they are.
With any orthodontic treatment, some discomfort is to be expected, especially at the beginning. For Invisalign, this happens because the transparent tray encasing your teeth applies a slight pressure to them in order to move them. Additionally, the sensation of plastic in place of your teeth, gums and tongue may feel odd at first. However, with diligent wear, these sensations will cease to exist in a couple of days. As your teeth move, the pressure on them will also lessen, reducing any discomfort. Before you know it, you will go about your day as usual, completely forgetting that you’re even wearing aligners!
Here are some tips to help you get comfortable with your Invisalign trays quickly:
Consistency is Key
Consistently wearing your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day ensures that your teeth move. This reduces the pressure on them and consequently, any discomfort you feel. Each new Invisalign tray is meticulously designed to deliver only a small, controlled amount of pressure. Hence, any discomfort can easily be overcome with consistent usage. However, if you often forget to wear your trays, especially after eating, drinking or cleaning, it is likely that the teeth will move back to their original position. As a result, you are likely to feel more pressure again.
Maintain Your Dental Health
It is important to diligently practice a maintenance routine when wearing Invisalign trays. This is to ensure that your teeth are always clean and safe from dental health problems that can compound the discomfort during your treatment. For instance, an essential practice to observe is to remove your trays when you consume food or drinks and clean your teeth before wearing the trays again. Failure to observe these hygiene practices will result in a buildup of bacteria on your teeth, which in turn can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. These conditions could cause you to experience more discomfort during your treatment.
Check Your Allergies
While it is rare, some people are allergic to the plastic used to manufacture Invisalign trays. These allergies can go on to cause discomfort during treatment. If you experience discomfort despite being consistent with wearing your trays and following a maintenance routine, then you could be allergic to the trays. If you suspect this, consult with your dentist about the next best course of action.
Want to Achieve a Perfect, Straight Smile?
Begin your Invisalign journey by speaking to an experienced cosmetic dentist. Call Dr. Alex Rubinov at (718) 253-0800 today to find out more about Invisalign treatments or make an appointment.