Years prior, people were limited to metal braces to straighten their teeth. Fortunately, the same cannot be said for patients today! Thanks to Invisalign, you can discreetly achieve your smile goals in a fraction of the time. While the clear aligners are designed for comfort, you can expect to experience some aches, especially after transitioning to a new set. With this in mind, keep reading for a few must-know tips for relieving Invisalign soreness.
#1. Place a Cold Compress Against Your Cheeks
When discomfort from the pressure of your Invisalign aligners begins, one of the best first steps is placing a cold compress against your cheeks. In addition to reducing swelling, the cooling sensation will help numb the area. If you don’t have a cold compress on hand, that’s okay! An ice pack or bag of peas should do the trick.
#2. Avoid Hard, Crunchy, or Especially Chewy Foods
Crunchy nuts, raw veggies, and hard candies are just a few foods that require extensive chewing. When your teeth are sore, it’s best to avoid products like these altogether. Instead, opt for soft foods during the days following your transition to a new set of aligners. A few examples include hard-boiled eggs, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, and cooked veggies.
#3. Start Your New Aligners Before Bed
Typically, Invisalign soreness is the worst in the first few hours after beginning a new set of trays. By making the transition right before bed, you can sleep through that time! Plus, you won’t be taking the aligners in and out to eat and drink, which will ensure the adjustment period is over as quickly as possible.
#4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
When all else fails, try taking an over-the-counter medication, like ibuprofen or aspirin. Follow the directions exactly to ensure you safely get the pain relief you need. If you experience Invisalign soreness frequently, you can try taking the painkiller 30 minutes before changing your aligners.
Although it may not feel like it, Invisalign soreness is actually a good sign because it means your aligners are doing their job! To make your treatment as comfortable as possible, keep the above tips in mind when transitioning to each new set of trays.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics NH, your smile will benefit from the expertise of two talented orthodontists: Dr. Cale Forgues and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. As a team, they are proud to offer everything from traditional braces to innovative alternatives, like Invisalign. As a result, patients of all ages can get the straight, healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve! To learn more about relieving Invisalign soreness or schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 603-437-0331.