The slight discomfort caused by Invisalign is more than worth it for a perfect smile!

You know that some discomfort is inevitable if you want a straighter smile. After all, there is a saying that beauty is pain. Could Invisalign be the answer?

Invisalign is an effective technique for improving mild to moderate overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues. It can also fix crowded, crooked, or wide gaps between teeth. Naturally, however, fixing alignment issues will cause you slight discomfort. But as any Espire dentist will tell you, it’s worth it in the end for a beautiful smile and better overall dental health.

Why does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign works by putting gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into proper alignment. Based on the plan that you and your orthodontist mapped out at the beginning of the treatment, you’ll receive a new aligner to progressively move the teeth into place every one to two weeks.

When you put in a new aligner, you may feel pressure on your teeth for a day or two, which should fade soon after as you become accustomed to the aligner. This mild pain indicates the aligner is working. However, persistent pain or irritation to the gums or tongue could signify the aligners don’t fit smoothly over your teeth. Talk to your dentist about an adjustment to make the aligners more comfortable.

Traditional wire braces can cause pain and abrasions, but Invisalign will only cause temporary slight discomfort. You should be able to see results with Invisalign within 12 to 18 months, compared to several years for fixed braces.

What to do if you feel pain

Taking out the Invisalign trays when you feel discomfort is not advisable. Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness. Removing the trays could extend the usual treatment time of 12 to 18 months.

Consult with your dentist to address any pain concerns. If you’re experiencing mild pain, try over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate the discomfort. If you’re experiencing any gum pain with the Invisalign aligner, you can apply a small amount of dental wax to the edge of the tray. Doing so will prevent any irritation between the aligner and your gums. 

Invisalign is not considered a painful treatment. Ultimately, any minimal pain will pay off when you see your perfect smile in the mirror.

Learn more about Invisalign!

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Norman, Oklahoma, location today! Our highly trained dentists can discuss everything about Invisalign with you. Don’t live near our Norman, Oklahoma office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Norman, OK
550 24th Ave. S.W.
Norman, OK 73069