How to Make Invisalign Aligners More Comfortable

Thinking about getting  braces or Invisalign aligners can cause concern of whether or not they will cause pain or discomfort. This alone can make people unwilling to visit an orthodontist and get the smile they’ve dreamed about. But take heart—orthodontic treatment, specifically Invisalign aligners, can be an overall comfortable treatment option if you take the following precautions. 

Use Over-the-Counter (OTC) pain relievers 

When you first get your Invisalign aligners, there can be some mild discomfort or pain due to your teeth being slowly moved into a new position. Typically, this will be mild and resolve quickly, but in the meantime, OTC pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can help ease the pain and make getting new trays a more comfortable experience. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and take only the recommended amount of medicine at the recommended intervals. 

Use Orthodontic Wax

At your orthodontic appointments, your orthodontic staff will give you orthodontic wax, which can be used to prevent your trays from rubbing against your gums. The wax is pliable and can be shaped to fit in between your gums and the aligners. Use as much as needed, and ask your orthodontist for more if you run out. 

Eat soft foods

While your teeth are adjusting (literally!) to your new Invisalign aligners, stay away from hard food like pretzels, nuts, and raw vegetables. Instead, eat soft foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, rice, and cooked vegetables. This will reduce the pressure on your teeth and gums and make eating less painful while your mouth is adjusting to your new Invisalign aligners.

Use an Emery Board

Most people have an emery board or can pick one up at the pharmacy. One side of the board is smooth and one is coarse, similar to a nail file, and you can use the coarse side to smooth down the edge of your aligners. This will get rid of any parts of your trays that might be rough and make them more comfortable to wear. 

Leave your Invisalign Aligners in

While it may be tempting to take your new aligners out to relieve your discomfort, leaving them in is a better choice. This will help your teeth adjust faster to the new trays, which means any pain or discomfort will be eliminated quickly. The more you take out your aligners, the longer it will take for your teeth to adjust—so leave them in as close to 24 hours a day as you can for the first two to three days you’re wearing them. 

Invisalign aligners are an easy, comfortable way to get straighter, healthier teeth. If you feel ready to learn more about Invisalign aligners, contact Milnor Orthodontics for a free consultation. We can discuss the treatment plan that is best for you and decide on a payment plan that works with your needs.