Invisalign aligners are made out of a smooth, patented plastic material that is designed to rest as comfortably as possible against the gums and teeth. However, orthodontic treatment works because it applies pressure to the teeth — as such, you can expect some soreness and tenderness when you first start wearing a clear aligner. How can you ease Invisalign discomfort in Northborough? This blog post contains five practical tips.
Use Cold
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face can do much to ease swelling and inflammation. Just be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin, and do not use it for a prolonged period of time; you may accidentally damage your skin or your nerves.
Another way to use cold is through foods and beverages. Sipping on ice water throughout the day can keep inflammation to a minimum. When you take your aligner out for a meal or snack, you can consume cold items. It is even okay to end your meal with a small serving of ice cream (as long as you thoroughly clean your teeth afterward).
Swish with Warm Saltwater
Saltwater is a natural remedy for soothing inflammation and cleansing irritated oral tissues. To use it, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, sip, swish, and spit. Repeat until you have used all the water in the glass.
Switch to a New Aligner Before Bed
Your mouth is likely to be the most sensitive and sore during the first several hours after you place a new aligner in your mouth. Rather than suffering through your daytime activities while coping with discomfort, try switching to a new aligner right before bed. Hopefully, you will be able to sleep through the worst part of the transition period.
Take Pain Medication
Most of the time, you should be able to transition to a new aligner without the help of medication. However, if you find that your mouth is particularly sore or sensitive, there is no harm in using an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort. Most people find that whatever they would use for a headache is also effective for addressing Invisalign soreness.
Talk to Your Dentist if Necessary
In some cases, you might experience discomfort because the edge of one of your aligners is a bit rough or because an aligner does not fit exactly right. Such issues are best addressed by your dentist. They can examine the aligner, smooth out sharp edges, and address any other issues that might be affecting how it feels in your mouth.
A bit of oral soreness is to be expected with Invisalign. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to minimize this issue and enjoy the most comfortable treatment possible.
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at Northborough Dental Associates is proud to offer Invisalign as one of our many treatment options. If you have questions about this discreet, effective teeth-straightening service, we will be happy to speak with you. Contact us at 508-571-0358.