Does Invisalign Hurt? Here's What You Need To Know

Compared to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign is often advertised as a treatment that offers minor discomfort. Therefore, clear Invisalign aligners have become an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment with many patients being interested in them.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you may be asking yourself several questions before wearing them such as: ‘how long do Invisalign aligners hurt?’, ‘does Invisalign hurt more than braces?’ or ‘when does Invisalign stop hurting?’. In this article, we’ll discuss how Invisalign may cause pain, the severity of the pain and how to prevent discomfort.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Yes Invisalign does hurt but the pain is minor. Invisalign is most painful at the beginning of the treatment but most patients find the pain tolerable.

Why Does Invisalign Hurt?

In comparison to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners are less painful than traditional metal braces. The discomfort you might experience with Invisalign will feel like an uncomfortable squeezing sensation around your teeth. However, this is typically a normal and mild experience to have when first wearing your aligners.

Think of the pain as a blessing in disguise in this case. Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth.  This means that your aligners are successfully working to apply a small amount of pressure to close any gaps in your teeth to align them together.

In some cases,  you may feel more significant pain in one tooth than in the others. This happens when one or more of your teeth will need the pressure to align teeth together, especially if your teeth or misaligned or crooked.

Another type of Invisalign pain that patients experience is from the aligners themselves. This is usually due to the edges of aligners causing friction between the gums and inside the lips.

How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?

Tooth pain from wearing new sets of Invisalign aligners can last up to two weeks. Although you may encounter more significant pain in the first couple of days of your treatment. Most people find that the pain dissipates within the first week.

Fear not, as the pain gradually fades away after your teeth have adjusted to wearing your aligners which is a sign that you are ready to move on to your new set of aligners.

It’s important to note that pain can vary from person to person, as it has been reported that some Invisalign wearers do not experience pain at all.

Despite this, some may likely further feel pain from aligners if they have tender gums, sensitive teeth or gingivitis.

5 Tips for Getting Used to Invisalign Faster

Adjusting to Invisalign aligners quickly can make the experience much smoother. Here are a few tips to help you get comfortable sooner:

1. Wear aligners consistently: It may be tempting to remove your aligners when they feel uncomfortable, but keeping them in for the recommended 20-22 hours a day helps your teeth adjust faster. Consistent wear minimizes the adjustment period, allowing your teeth to adapt to each new set more quickly.
2. Use warm salt water rinses: If you experience sore spots on your gums or tongue, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. This simple remedy can help reduce irritation and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
3. Start new aligners at night: Switch to a new set of aligners just before bedtime. This lets you sleep through the initial adjustment phase, so you’re less likely to feel the discomfort that often comes with a new set.
4. Massage your gums: Gently massaging your gums can increase circulation, helping to reduce discomfort and tension in the mouth.‍
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth hydrated, which can prevent dryness and ease soreness. Additionally, it’s best to avoid beverages that could stain your aligners.

How To Prevent Pain?

If you’re currently experiencing or are preparing yourself for Invisalign treatment, here are some methods for minimising discomforts whilst wearing your aligners:

• Pain killers: If you’re experiencing severe pain, taking over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help lessen the pain. It’s always worth consulting a doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication, particularly if you have any other medical conditions.
• Dental wax: Using dental wax is often a helpful way of reducing gum pain when wearing Invisalign. Applying a small amount of wax around the top edges of your aligners (this is usually where they are roughest), will assist in decreasing any friction causing gum pain.
• Eating soft foods when first wearing your aligners: It is recommended to eat soft foods within the first couple of days of wearing new aligners. This is because your teeth are highly sensitive during this period of your Invisalign treatment.
• Wear new Invisalign aligners before bed: Wearing a new set of Invisalign trays at night is advisable as it allows you to sleep through any potential discomfort that you would normally endure during the day.

Our Word of Advice

It’s important to keep in mind that any orthodontic treatment can cause some degree of pain, including Invisalign. This pain varies for everyone who receives Invisalign treatment.

Although, compared to other treatments, they are less likely to be as painful as traditional metal braces.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re experiencing unnecessary discomfort such as bleeding gums and facial swelling, or intense pain when consuming and drinking food, get in touch with our team of experienced orthodontists and book a free consultation with us today! Alternatively, call us on 020 3722 4187.