Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment using a series of clear, plastic aligners to straighten teeth without using metal wires or brackets. They aim to move your teeth to their proper position gradually. The treatment time is around 12 to 18 months, depending on the severity of your teeth’s misalignment.
Some people considering Invisalign may hesitate because they worry about the potential pain associated with this treatment.
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Is It Painful To Get Invisalign Treatment?
Overall, these invisible braces are not painful, and most people report only minor discomfort that goes away within a few days. The Invisalign aligners may cause some initial discomfort and mouth sores. This is because they are putting pressure on your teeth to move them. This is normal and should go away. In fact, slight discomfort is a sign that your treatment is working due to the tooth movements.
The treatment may also cause gum pain, sensitivity, and bleeding that lasts for a few days. In addition, unlike traditional braces (also called fixed appliances) with sharp edges, the edges of aligners are smooth, so they are less likely to cause cuts or sores inside the mouth.
If you experience any pain or minor discomfort, it is usually only temporary and will go away with time. If you have any concerns, contact your orthodontist.
How Long Will It Take To Adjust To New Aligners?
Many patients will observe that they can adjust to new aligners within one to two weeks, especially with persistent use. Some may experience more discomfort than others when they first start using Invisalign aligners, but this is usually only temporary.
Call your orthodontist or dentist if you experience pain or discomfort after many days of using your aligners. They may help reduce aligner pain by adjusting.
What Can I Do To Avoid Pain During Treatment?
The following are helpful tips to avoid pain during the entire duration of your treatment time:
- If you experience persistent pain, it helps to swish cold water around your mouth or suck on some ice cubes.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications if you experience severe pain for the first couple of days.
- For gum pain, you may use dental wax to lubricate the edges of the aligners to help reduce friction.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth and aligners clean. This helps avoid a buildup of bacteria that can cause pain.
- Use dental floss and an interdental brush to clean around your aligners and help remove any food particles that may be stuck. Use warm or cold water when cleaning your aligners rather than hot water, as this can warp their shape.
- Avoid eating sticky and hard or crunchy foods that can damage your aligners or cause them to become dislodged.
- You should also avoid wearing your aligners for more hours than recommended, as this can increase the amount of pain you feel.
- Follow all instructions from your orthodontist or dentist.
What Red Flags Should You Watch Out For During Invisalign Treatment?
If you experience any of the following, you should contact your orthodontist or dentist right away:
- Intense pain that does not go away after a few days
- Sores or cuts on your gums
- Bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing
- A fever
Final Thoughts
Invisalign treatment is an excellent option to straighten mild to moderate teeth misalignment. This helps avoid traditional braces to achieve a more beautiful smile. It is especially beneficial for adult patients concerned about the aesthetics of metal wires and brackets. Although Invisalign treatment is not painful, some patients may have initial minor discomfort that goes away after a few days.
If you are considering this treatment but have unanswered questions, contact us to book a consultation.
Burwood Dental Care is a state-of-the-art dental clinic with a team of dentists with several years of experience in Invisalign treatment procedures. At your appointment, they will gently assess your teeth and overall mouth conditions to determine if any issues could make Invisalign treatment unsuitable. They will also give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about whether this treatment is the right method for you.
FAQs
Wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours per day to achieve favourable results. You may remove them when eating, drinking, brushing and flossing your teeth.
You need to change your aligner trays to a new set every two weeks throughout your treatment time. Note that you may experience mild discomfort whenever you switch to your new aligners.
In Australia, the cost of full Invisalign aligner treatment ranges between $6,000 and $9,000 and from $4,500 for minor treatments. These may be lower or higher, depending on your dentist, the clinic’s location, and the severity of your teeth misalignment. It’s always wise to contact your dentist for a more accurate estimate.
Since the Invisalign aligners are made of very thin and clear plastic, they should not affect your speech. In some instances, you may notice a slight difference in pronouncing “s,” “sh”, or “z” for the first few days of wearing the aligners, but this should go away as you get used to them.