An allergic reaction to Invisalign is extremely rare and doesn’t mean you need to avoid or stop the treatment.

Invisalign aligners have helped millions of people discreetly straighten their teeth without  conspicuous metal braces. Made of clear plastic, Invisalign trays gently push crowded or misaligned teeth into place. For mild to moderate spacing and bite issues, Invisalign work just as well as traditional wire braces.

The process is simple: After your dentist makes an impression of your mouth, you’ll be given a new aligner every one to two weeks to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. Typically, you’ll see a new, straighter smile within 12 to 18 months. But the question arises: Is it possible to get an allergic reaction to Invisalign? 

Allergies and Invisalign

An allergic reaction to an Invisalign is extremely rare. Invisalign trays are made of a thermoplastic material known as SmartTrack®. Approved by the FDA, the clear plastic is BPA-free and contains no latex or gluten. 

However, a small number of people who are sensitive to plastic may experience a slight adverse response to the trays. If you think you may be one of them, you can tape the plastic on your arm for a few days to see how your skin reacts. If you don’t notice any changes, you should be good to go with Invisalign, but always check with your dentist if you’re unsure!

In the rare instance of a negative reaction, your symptoms will be mild, typically an itching sensation on the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. A more serious allergic reaction would see swelling of the tongue or gums, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the mouth. If you remove the tray and those symptoms diminish, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to Invisalign.

But if you do have symptoms, there’s no need to completely stop the Invisalign treatment! Instead, talk to your dentist about your symptoms. Invisalign is an expensive treatment and you wouldn’t want to halt your progress when you’re only halfway through the process. If symptoms are mild, you can continue wearing the trays with extra care as guided by your dentist. Other remedies include:

Drinking Plenty of Cold Water. Wearing Invisalign can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and decrease the production of saliva. With less saliva, your mouth becomes more sensitive, which could result in allergy-like symptoms. Be sure to drink enough cold water to maintain a proper level of saliva in your mouth.

Frequent Teeth Cleanings. Instead of teeth cleanings every six months, visit your dentist every three months. Your dentist can assess the irritation and help reduce it, most likely by increasing saliva production.

Keeping Your Tray Clean. An adverse reaction may not necessarily result from the plastic. Rather, a trace amount of food you may be allergic to can attach to the aligner. Although exceedingly rare, the food allergen then comes into contact with your gums and causes a reaction. Rinse your aligner after every meal to clear away food particles that could cause an allergic reaction — and tooth decay. Soaking the aligner in baking soda and water will keep the tray clean, too.

You’re on the Way to a Better Smile!

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley location today! Our highly trained dentists can fit you with an Invisalign aligner to make your smile shine and guide you through any allergy questions. Don’t live near our Mission Valley, California office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Drive
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108