When Your Invisalign Aligner Cutting Gums: Here's What To Do | Dr. Alex Midtown NYC Cosmetic Dentist

When Your Invisalign Aligner Cutting Gums: Here’s What To Do

Invisalign aligner is an orthodontic solution utilized for teeth alignment without the use of traditional braces. Apart from being innovative, the alternative is also long-lasting and esthetic. The component features a thermoplastic smart track structure. Invisalign Aligners are changed after every two weeks of wearing.

They are often fabricated to precision although there might be slight miscalculations in some instances. Consequently, the resultant miscalculations create sharp edges which cut and irritate sensitive gums making them painful and uncomfortable.

Yet, there are several ways to deal with the pain and discomfort brought about by a new set of aligners. Here are our top suggestions on how to work around the tricky situation and ensure your teeth are aligned accordingly.

Use Painkillers

The aligner is an integral component if you are keen on restoring the shape and alignment of your teeth. Nevertheless, it takes time for your gums to get used to the new aligner structure. Thus, the first few hours after getting your aligner can be pretty uncomfortable.

Your gums will hurt a lot. However, with painkillers, you can easily overcome the pain and begin your journey to an appealing teeth structure. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help to curb inflammation and alleviate pain.

Utilize Orthodontic Wax

The orthodontic wax is specifically meant for dental use. It is a silicon wax of a clear color. The wax comes in handy in the treatment of cuts incurred by the gum structure. You can also apply it over the area where the aligner and gum meet to soothe any pain and reduce the resultant irritation.

Orthodontic wax serves as an active barrier between the aligner and the gums. Therefore, it makes it difficult for the slightly rigid structure of the aligner to cut or irritate sensitive gums.

Make the Edges of the Aligner Smooth

A little discomfit is normal after treatment with the aligner. However, if the aligner component starts to cut your gums after the initial installation phase then it could be an indicator of sharp edges. Gums have millions of nerve endings that are capable of sensing any discomfort on the gum surface.

Therefore, if the edges of the aligner are sharp in any way then you will feel it. The ultimate solution to such an occurrence is to smoothen the edges. You can consult your dentist concerning that.

Cold Compress Will Come In Handy

Cold compresses can help you manage pain efficiently but over a short while. You simply need to press ice packs on the affected area for a couple of minutes to soothe painful gums or irritated mucosa.

Apply Ointments

There are ointments designed to relieve mouth sores. A good example is Canker-X, a remarkable ointment that incorporates benzocaine. Benzocaine is an excellent topical anesthetic that you can use to numb a painful area.

Moreover, the ointment works similarly to a bandage. You can firmly stick it to your mucosa, lips, or gums for pain relief. Unlike cold compress, it is a more long-term pain reliever.

Try Changing the Aligners Before Sleeping

Changing the aligners comes with a lot of pain and discomfort as the gums sustain cuts in the course of the process. That is why it is advisable to change the aligners before heading to bed. In this manner, your gums will become accustomed to the aligner while you sleep making the process less painful.

Keep Away from Crunchy or Hard Foods

After the procedure of installing the aligners, your gums will experience discomfort. Eating hard and crunchy food at this time would be a bad idea. You will increase the soreness on your mucosa and gums thus making it even more painful. It is advisable to stick to softer and more chewable foods until your gums get accustomed to the aligners.

Dealing with painful gums after wearing your aligners should be easy with our practical suggestions. Nonetheless, if your gums develop more problems or become unbearable and painful, then you have to seek medical help as soon as possible.

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