If you didn’t naturally develop the perfectly aligned smile that you hoped for, you don’t need to settle for crookedness any longer. You also don’t need to endure one to two years of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic solution for teens and adults who want to get on a path towards straighter teeth. While Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces, you may still experience some soreness at first. Here are some tips to help.
Just like your school nurse requested, a bag of ice can help to soothe swollen and sore tissues. Take a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel and place It against your face. This can help to relieve inflammation and numb the pain of your new set of Invisalign aligners.
If the soreness is becoming more difficult to deal with, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Just take whichever one you would normally take if you were suffering from a headache. It is most effective to take pain relievers about an hour before switching to your new aligners.
Another trick to get relief is to swish warm saltwater around your mouth. This helps to both reduce inflammation and cleanse the area. Just mix a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse it gently around your mouth.
For most people, a majority of the discomfort that is felt happens within the first few hours of wearing new aligners. Try making the switch right before you go to bed. Hopefully, you will remain asleep during the fore sensitive hours of soreness.
You won’t have any eating restrictions when you have Invisalign, but you may find it uncomfortable to eat hard or crunchy foods during the first few meals after putting in your new aligners. You will have an easier time if you stick to softer foods in order to prevent additional discomfort.
If you find that buttons, attachments, or your aligners are irritating your lips or cheeks, you should let your dentist know. They may be able to make changes to reduce this. Until then, pick up some orthodontic wake from your local drug store. Roll up a tiny ball of wax and mold it to cover the irritated part. This way, you can give your soft tissues a break.
Orthodontic treatment may not be the most comfortable thing ever, but by using the tips above, you can reduce soreness and discomfort. It will all be worthwhile when you see the beautiful results!
About the Author
Dr. Winston Eaddy is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over four decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of S.C. and was awarded his specialty degree in Periodontics from Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry. He currently holds memberships for the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and American Academy of Osseointegration. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Austin, visit his website or call (512) 263-4252.
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