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Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Painful?

A common concern of many people who are considering Invisalign as a teeth straightening option is whether or not they are painful. Nobody wants to be going through agony to get the smile they want. The truth is that Invisalign isn’t as intense as regular braces, but all teeth straightening options are bound to have some sort of discomfort. But that doesn’t mean it’s not tolerable. Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign and what you can expect on your path towards a straighter smile.

HOW MUCH DO INVISALIGN ALIGNERS HURT?

Invisalign trays tend to use less pressure than regular braces in order to straighten teeth. This is something that many consider when choosing a teeth straightening treatment. Ultimately, you will feel less discomfort with Invisalign than traditional braces. But any type of regular pressure on your teeth is bound to cause an aching sensation.

The first few days after you get your first set of aligners will probably be the most uncomfortable. However, after a few days this pain should fade away. Whenever you get a new set of aligners, this soreness is likely to occur.

It’s also possible that you may feel discomfort on the soft tissues of your mouth because of the edges of your aligners. This shouldn’t last for very long because you will eventually develop the callouses you need to prevent irritation. In fact, once you get your second set of aligners, this should be completely gone.

Most people who have Invisalign don’t describe it as painful. They are more likely to describe the sensations as soreness or discomfort.

HOW CAN I RELIEVE DISCOMFORT?

For the majority of people, they can wait for the soreness to pass after getting a new set of aligners. For those who are experiencing more pain, this can be alleviated by an over-the-counter pain pill. If your pain is from your teeth moving, try a pain killer that reduces inflammation.

If the edges of your aligners are sharp and causing you too much pain, give your dentist a call. He will be able to smooth out the edges so you can wear your Invisalign more comfortably.

Invisalign has many benefits over traditional metal braces including the fact that many people find them much more comfortable to wear. All you need to do is hang tight through the treatment process and you’ll have the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always hoped for.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Bryant Franz is a dentist serving patients at Rino Dental in Denver, CO. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He’s a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Colorado Dental Association. He offers Invisalign as one of his many treatment options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (720) 943-7484.

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