Is Invisalign painful?: Discover the truth!

Many patients undergo Invisalign treatment for straighter teeth, expecting it not to hurt at all. People considering this treatment often ask, "Is Invisalign painful?" This is hardly surprising, as it is often advertised as being pain-free or a lot less painful than metal braces. Despite being more comfortable than the braces, it still cannot be considered completely pain-free.

As with all orthodontic treatments focused on straightening teeth, there is bound to be some pain and mild discomfort. How intense is this pain, and how long will it last? Understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns about starting your oral care journey! This article will explore all you need to know about "Is Invisalign painful?"

Is Invisalign painful, and to what degree?

In general, this dental treatment may cause mild pain initially, but is comparatively less painful than dental braces. Any pain or discomfort experienced is temporary and will fade after the teeth adjust to wearing these clear aligners. For many patients, this acclimatisation takes place within a week of using their new aligners.

Since this treatment plan requires new aligner trays every 1-2 weeks, it is possible to experience some discomfort within initial few days of each cycle. In terms of pain level, this will depend on a few factors such as your tolerance for pain and the presence of sensitive teeth and gums.

A 2005 study reported that 54% of patients, who went through this treatment, experienced mild pain, while 35% did not. From the numbers, we can conclude that not every user will have pain. Additionally, pain symptoms can be less pronounced as you get used to wearing your aligners.

Why is Invisalign painful?

When you first start wearing these clear aligners, it is normal to feel some pressure on your teeth. This pressure is necessary for the teeth straightening process and indicates that the aligners are working to move your upper and lower teeth into the correct position. Pain from this treatment can be attributed to a few factors, such as:

1) Friction from the aligners

Sores and ulcers are common with traditional braces due to the brackets rubbing against the inside of the mouth and wire placement. To combat this sensitivity, the mouth develops ulcers, which results in pain. The same goes for these aligners but on a much smaller scale. The edges of the clear aligners, albeit not sharp, can irritate your gums and lips as your mouth adjusts to wearing them.

Some patients may find that they develop ulcers in their mouth over the first couple of weeks, but this is normal and helps reduce irritation. Usually, this pain goes away once you switch out your first set of clear aligners and your mouth adjusts to having plastic retainers.

2) Teeth movement

For teeth straightening treatment, some pressure is necessary, which may cause soreness. This soreness is pronounced during the initial few days of wearing a new set of clear aligners. However, it will eventually subside. The controlled pressure applied by the removable aligners ensures effective tooth movement without causing significant pain.

3) Improper finishing of the aligners

When you run your tongue along the edge of your aligner, you should not be getting cuts. Any cuts or rough edges against your tongue are a result of improper finishing of the aligners. This side effect can be remedied by bringing it up to your Invisalign accredited dentist who will adjust the edges accordingly.

When is the pain from Invisalign a concern?

While it’s possible to experience mild pain in the teeth, jaw and tongue within the first week of wearing your new set of aligners, the pain should not be severe to the point where it interferes with your daily activities. Call your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Bleeding in your teeth or gums
• Pain when eating, drinking or swallowing food
• Facial swelling

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How long does Invisalign pain last?

When you get a new set of aligners, you might feel a certain pressure or tenderness with the teeth slowly shifting to their planned position. This feeling is temporary, and typically gets better with each set of trays. The exact duration of this discomfort can be different for different people.

Some patients will barely feel any pain throughout their treatment. It is important to contact your dentist in case of severe pain or if it persists for too long.

How can I reduce this pain?

1. Apply dental wax

If you’re experiencing gum pain from this treatment, some dental wax might help. Apply a small portion on the top edges of your aligners or where it hurts. Lubricating those areas can reduce any friction that might be causing gum pain. If there is a particular spot that wax can’t cover, you might need to ask your dentist to file it down for you.

2. Take OTC medicine

You may consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medication during the first few days when the pain is the most severe. However, do consult your doctor to check whether it’s safe for you to take painkillers, especially if you are on other medications.

3. Avoid taking out your aligners

As tempting as it is, avoid taking out these aligners for prolonged periods unless recommended by your dentist. It should be worn at least 20-22 hours a day. Not wearing your aligners would not only extend your treatment time but also decrease your overall pain tolerance to the trays as well.

4. Apply cold compress

You can opt for cold compress to temporarily numb down the area and reduce gum soreness often caused from Invisalign aligners.

5. Avoid extremely hard food

It is advised to avoid eating food that is are very crunchy or too hard to chew. This can create pressure on your Invisalign aligners, and may lead to gum discomfort.

4. Remove your aligners cleanly and safely

Always practice good hygiene when removing your invisible braces. This includes washing your hands thoroughly and taking out your aligners with care.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign

1. What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment uses a set of clear, custom aligners that apply controlled pressure on your teeth in order to shift them into a straighter alignment. These trays are transparent, made from medical-grade thermoplastic. You can take out Invisalign trays before you eat, brush your teeth or floss. This helps to maintain oral health.

2. Does Invisalign hurt?

You might feel a little pressure or tenderness with your initial Invisalign aligners sets. This usually happens because your teeth are starting to move. The discomfort is temporary. Mostly, it is manageable through pain medications prescribed by your dentist, if needed.

3. Is Invisalign more painful than braces?

The metal and wires in traditional braces often make your cheeks and gums sore. Invisalign uses plastic aligners that are smooth. So they do not hurt much. You might feel a subtle pressure with your initial sets, but this feeling usually subsides after some time.

4. Is Invisalign safe?

Yes, Invisalign treatment is safe when done from an experienced Invisalign-accredited dentist.

5. Is Invisalign painful after tightening?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not require tightening at the clinic. Instead, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners by yourself, as instructed by your dentist. It’s normal to feel slight discomfort when starting a new tray, but this usually settles within a few days as your teeth adjust. 

References

1. Nedwed, V., & Miethke, R. R. (2005). Motivation, acceptance and problems of invisalign patients. Journal of orofacial orthopedics = Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie : Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Kieferorthopadie, 66(2), 162–173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-005-0429-0
2. Miller, K. B., McGorray, S. P., Womack, R., Quintero, J. C., Perelmuter, M., Gibson, J., Dolan, T. A., & Wheeler, T. T. (2007). A comparison of treatment impacts between Invisalign aligner and fixed appliance therapy during the first week of treatment. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 131(3), 302.e1–302.e3029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2006.05.031