How painful is Invisalign treatment?

Clear dental aligners are a well-liked substitute for conventional braces. Invisalign is one such manufacturer of these orthodontic appliances. Even though these clear aligners are more comfortable than metal braces, you could still feel a little discomfort or minor pain.

The first week after using invisible dental aligners seems to have the most chance of pain.

The level of pain that a person can tolerate also influences how painful these aligners are. Even being completely pain-free is conceivable. However, if you continue to feel pain for more than a week after wearing your aligners, this can indicate a more severe problem that your orthodontist should consider.

Does wearing Invisalign hurt?

Most pain or discomfort brought on by clear aligners is temporary, and it usually only lasts the first week you wear your new aligners.

In fact, a study found that 83 percent of those wearing invisible aligners become used to them after a week.

Statics show that plastic or clear aligners can produce modest, transient pain, albeit not every user will feel it. The following conditions, however, may make using dental aligners more painful for you:

• A lower threshold for discomfort
• Teeth and gums that are sensitive
• Gingivitis

You can experience slight pain in any of the following areas of your body during the first week of using your new aligners:

• Teeth
• Jaw
• Tongue

When teeth hurt, your aligners are likely gradually realigning your teeth. Additionally, not every aligner tray adjustment will result in pain in the same tooth, and discomfort will go away in a few days. You may experience temporary pain in your tooth. Therefore, you should call your dentist right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Bleeding gums or teeth
• Sensitivities to cold or heat
• Discomfort while eating, drinking, or swallowing
• Pain coupled with facial edema.

In the initial few days of each cycle of Invisalign, there may be slight pain and discomfort because new trays are needed every two weeks. However, these symptoms might become less intense as you get used to wearing your aligners.

Traditional braces vs. Invisalign

Traditional braces are more painful than Invisalign. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses plastic to align your teeth. As a result, wearing translucent plastic has proved to be more comfortable.

“The pain associated with clear aligners and conventional braces often lessens after three months of use”

American Dental Association

American Dental Association also states that the overall Invisalign treatment takes less time than metal braces—12 to 18 months vs. up to 5 years—even if you experience discomfort at the beginning of your new aligner trays every few weeks.

Additionally, some people find the metal and wire used in traditional braces uncomfortable due to their sharp edges and projecting parts. Your gums may also experience discomfort from these.

When to see your dentist?

If pain from your Invisalign trays persists after a week, speak with your orthodontist. If the front edges of the aligners irritate your gums, they might be able to modify them by filing them down.

Remember that the two-week transition to new trays may cause some little discomfort. However, you should visit your orthodontist if the pain is more severe than the previous set or worsens after a few days. Your orthodontist may modify your trays to make them more bearable if you have persistent pain.

Conclusion

Even invisible aligners for the teeth can cause pain and discomfort. However, research shows that Invisalign treatment is more pleasant than conventional braces. Additionally, these appliances might be more successful in adjusting teeth alignment than metal braces.

If you are worried about the pain associated with dental appliances, Invisalign can be a better option than fixed metal braces. But it's crucial to remember that everyone's experiences, pain, and suffering are unique. Clear aligners hurt when you first get your new trays, which you must switch out every two weeks.

Hence, don't be afraid to call your orthodontist if you continue to feel pain while wearing Invisalign or if it gets worse.

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Abar Orthodontics, to know more about Invisalign Treatment.

Resource:

Invisalign Braces Calls For A Specialist Orthodontist Only.

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.