Is Invisalign Painful? How to Understand and Relieve Discomfort?

Clear dental aligners are a popular choice for straightening teeth instead of traditional metal braces because they are made of clear plastic. One well-known brand of these aligners is Invisalign. Invisalign can be more comfortable than metal braces. However, you might still feel some mild pain or discomfort when you first start using them. The most discomfort usually happens within the first week of wearing the aligners.

How much pain you feel can depend on your personal pain tolerance. So, some people might not feel any pain at all. If you have pain that lasts longer than a week after starting your aligners, be cautious. It could mean there is a more serious issue. Then you should see your orthodontist.

Invisalign and Pain

When you first start using Invisalign, you might feel some mild pain. This is normal because the aligners are meant to gently move your teeth into the right position.

Pain in the First Week

Any discomfort you experience from Invisalign is usually temporary. It is most likely to happen during the first week of using the aligners.

Interestingly, a study on Invisalign found that 83% of people using invisible aligners got used to them within a week. It means the discomfort often goes away quickly.

Amount of Pain

Most people who use Invisalign report that any pain they feel is mild and temporary. According to the study mentioned earlier, about 54% of people experienced some mild pain, while 35% reported that they felt no pain at all.

One of the main complaints from Invisalign users is discomfort while chewing. The same study found that 44% of users experienced this issue.

Overall, these statistics suggest that while Invisalign can cause some mild and temporary pain, not everyone will experience it. However, you might be more likely to feel pain if you have:

• A lower tolerance for pain
• Sensitive gums or gingivitis
• Sensitive teeth

Why Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign aligners work by gently pushing on your teeth to move them into the right positions. This gentle pressure can sometimes cause temporary discomfort, especially when you start using a new aligner tray.

There are a few reasons why you might feel discomfort:

• Tightness of the Aligners: New aligners are usually tighter. It means they put more pressure on your teeth. This tightness can cause more soreness as your teeth get used to the new trays.
• Your Sensitivity: Everyone has different levels of pain tolerance. Some people might feel discomfort more than others due to a mix of genetic factors, mental state, and personal experiences.
• Complexity of Tooth Movement: If your treatment involves more complicated tooth movements, the aligners may need to apply more pressure, which can lead to more noticeable discomfort.
• Rubbing or Irritation: The edges of the aligners can sometimes rub against the gums or the inside of your cheeks, causing irritation. This is especially common when you first start wearing the aligners or after switching to a new set.
• Changes in Bite: You may notice changes in how your teeth fit together as your teeth move. This adjustment can cause temporary discomfort as your bite aligns.

“Dentists – Improving lives, one smile at a time!”

How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?

When you switch to a new set of Invisalign aligners, it is normal to feel some discomfort. Most people notice that this discomfort is strongest during the first couple of days after changing aligners. Then it slowly gets better. The good news is that any pain from Invisalign usually doesn't last long. It tends to improve within a few days.

Specific Areas of Invisalign Pain

While most people find Invisalign discomfort to be mild, some may feel tenderness in certain areas, such as:

• Teeth: This is the most common place to feel discomfort. It is especially when you start wearing new aligners. You might notice a dull ache or a feeling of tightness in your teeth.
• Gums: Some people have sore gums, particularly around teeth that are moving a lot.
• Jaw: Occasionally, you might feel mild discomfort or tightness in your jaw as your jaw muscles adjust to the aligners.
• Tongue: Sometimes, the aligners can irritate your tongue a little. However, this usually goes away within a day or two.

Tips on How to Relieve Invisalign Discomfort.  

Here we have listed some quick tips on how you can relieve your Invisalign discomfort:

Use a Cold Compress on the Painful Area

A cold compress is great for helping to reduce swelling and pain in your body. It can also soothe swelling in your teeth.  

If you are feeling pain from Invisalign a cold compress can provide some relief. This is especially in the first few months of treatment. Using a store-bought cold pack or making your own cold compress can help ease the pain for a few hours. This is because you can’t take your aligners off too often.  

Use Orthodontic Wax

If you are looking for a way to ease pain from your retainer, orthodontic wax can help. This clear silicone wax can be put on your aligners to stop irritation to your cheeks, gums, and tongue. Here is how to use it to avoid pain from your Invisalign trays:

• After you brush your teeth, clean and dry your aligner trays.
• With clean, dry hands, take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
• Once it is soft, press it onto the area of your trays that’s bothering you.
• Use your finger or tongue to smooth out the wax so it fits nicely.
• Try not to drink anything for a few minutes while the wax sets.
• When you’re done, remove most of the wax with your finger.
• Brush off any leftover wax with your toothbrush and clean your trays as usual.
• Using wax can help make wearing your aligners more comfortable.