After years of debating whether you should get braces or not, you finally took the plunge and went for it. You decided on Invisalign because you heard they hurt less and even work a little better.
But, now that you’ve got them, you’re experiencing more pain than you thought you were going to. Invisalign soreness is a common side effect, but should be relatively mild and shouldn’t last long.
In the meantime, check out some of these tips and tricks for dealing with a sore mouth.
Understand What’s Causing the Discomfort
Before you can treat the problem, you should have an idea of what the cause is.
There are several reasons why you might be feeling irritation from your new braces, but the most common is simply that your teeth are shifting.
Your teeth aren’t meant to move, biology made sure of that. When you go in and start moving them around, it’s only natural to feel discomfort.
Another reason why you might be feeling discomfort from your Invisalign braces is that the tray could be rubbing against your gums and causing sores.
If you believe you’re just comfort is caused by anything other than these two sources, be sure to talk to your doctor so you can rule out and avoid any major problems.
Don’t Switch to a New Tray Until Bedtime
Invisalign progress works as a step-by-step program, increasing the movement on your teeth a little at a time. Each time you upgrade to a new tray, you will likely feel more discomfort.
To lessen this, try switching trays just before bed. This way you should be able to sleep through the bulk of the discomfort.
Try OTC Painkillers
You can try using over-the-counter pain relievers to help you during the day.
You can try ibuprofen or Aleve, as these medications work to reduce inflammation.
Ask your doctor or Pharmacist which pain relievers they recommend for you.
Use a Cold Compress
A cold compress can help to reduce swelling and work to numb the area.
Try crushing up a Ziploc bag of ice and apply it to your cheek. Hold the cold compress on for 10 to 15 minutes At a time.
You can repeat and reuse the cold compress method as many times as you need throughout the day, as long as you’re doing it in 15-minute intervals.
Leaving ice on your skin for too long can cause irritation and burning.
Eat Soft Foods
As your teeth shift they may become sensitive.
Avoid hard foods like toast, chips, apples, etc., as this can increase irritation. Instead, try eating a soft food diet.
Incorporate lots of soups, salads, smoothies, and, most importantly, mashed potatoes. (This may be your only excuse to eat all the mashed potatoes.)
Don’t Let Invisalign Soreness Ruin Your Day
In general, soreness goes hand-in-hand with braces – no matter what style you choose.
Your braces are there to make your life better and boost your confidence, so if the Invisalign soreness is impacting your current quality of life, be sure to talk to your doctor right away.
Browse through the rest of our site for more ways to lead a happy and healthy life.