5 Pain Relief Tips for New Invisalign Aligners

When you want straighter teeth, Invisalign aligners are an exciting solution. They’re low-profile, remain invisible when properly maintained, and – best of all – can be removed for eating and cleaning. It’s easy to get wrapped up in these details and forget that you’ll probably have to deal with some discomfort until you get used to them. Keep that picture-perfect end-goal in mind, though! These five pain relief tips will help you go the distance.

#1. Don’t Hesitate to Medicate

Taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol might seem like a no-brainer. But be honest – how often do you think about taking pain meds more than you actually swallow them? It’s understandable to want to be on the minimalistic side when it comes to oral pain medicine, but if new aligner aches are bothering you, that’s a valid reason to take them. You might even want to set a schedule so you can stay ahead of the discomfort.

#2. Apply A Cold Compress or Two

It’s old-fashioned, but when you want quick relief, even if it’s temporary, a cold compress will certainly do the trick. You can use an ice pack or a plastic bag full of ice cubes to make a homemade compress. Wrap your chosen source of cold up in a towel, and voila! It’s ready to be applied to your face or jaw. Just don’t wrap the towel around too thickly, or else you might not feel that blissful numbing sensation.

#3. Mold Over Some Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax isn’t only for metal braces, fortunately. You can mold these silicone strips over the rims of your trays or whatever aligner area is rubbing your mouth the wrong way. The wax is nice and soft, so it creates an effective barrier between your soft oral tissues and trays. After it sets, you can maintain that clear aligner look by removing the excess and brushing away any residue.

#4. Keep Wearing Your Invisalign!

When you know your Invisalign aligners are the source of your discomfort, it can be tempting to simply remove them and let your teeth rest. But this is one instance where you don’t want to listen to your body! Orthodontic appliances work in delicate, gradual steps. If you don’t wear your trays as instructed, your teeth could very well slide back out of alignment. Basically, you risk prolonging your treatment, and it’ll take much longer to adjust to your trays.

#5. Contact Your Dentist

Part of your dentist’s job is to help you achieve oral comfort, and they don’t want you to have to endure troublesome aches. If you just can’t seem to adjust to your new Invisalign, don’t hesitate to give them a call. They can offer more tips and tricks for relief and can adjust your trays when necessary. Consider them your new aligner tech support!

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill. He takes special interest in the way teeth come together to form a harmonious smile and supports this passion by actively pursuing continuing education. In other words, Dr. Lisk can certainly help you achieve straighter teeth and improved oral comfort. To contact his office about new Invisalign aches or other dental matters, call 919-870-6892.