You’ve no doubt heard plenty of good things about Invisalign clear aligners. In fact, maybe you’ve heard so much positive feedback that they’re starting to sound too good to be true. If you’re wondering whether they’re really that much more comfortable than traditional braces, keep reading. You’ll see how Invisalign compares in this post!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
First and foremost, you should know that Invisalign can cause soreness. Like braces, the aligners work by applying steadily increasing amounts of pressure to your teeth. This forces not only your pearly whites to shift, but also the connective tissue and ligaments around them. You’ll likely receive some pain signals from your brain when:
- You first get your aligners, or when you transition to your next-step trays
- Your trays are damaged or warped
- You’re chewing or just finished a meal
Managing Invisalign Discomfort
The vast majority of patients find that Invisalign discomfort is temporary and easy to manage. Here are some tips for promoting a comfortable treatment:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Apply a cold compress to the aching area
- Brush your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste
- Eat soft foods that are easy to chew
- Wear your aligners often to help yourself get used to them
Invisalign vs. Braces
Even though an Invisalign treatment isn’t completely painless, most patients agree that the discomfort is mild compared to what you would experience with traditional braces. Metal wires and brackets tend to cut up soft oral tissue, whereas the smooth plastic material used for Invisalign doesn’t even cause chafing. Patients also report feeling sore for longer after having their braces tightened when compared to transitioning to next-step trays. Basically, people do usually find Invisalign discomfort to be less bothersome!
You shouldn’t feel outright pain during your Invisalign treatment, but if you’re worried about unpleasant sensations, let your dentist know. They’ll be able to help make sure you have a positive experience while straightening your smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Stefanie Walker and Dr. Amanda Pooler are your compassionate dentists in Denver. They know how important it is to feel comfortable during dental treatment, especially if the process takes several months like Invisalign. They’ll make sure your trays are strategically designed to adjust your teeth as gently as possible, and if you have questions or concerns about discomfort, they’ll be happy to address them. To straighten your smile with Invisalign, contact Dr. Walker and Dr. Pooler’s office at 720-440-9296.