Invisalign soreness is a common complaint for those who are new to the Invisalign treatment in New Jersey. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve soreness from clear aligners. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 pain relief tips that should help make your Invisalign experience more comfortable!
What Cause Invisalign Soreness?
Before we dive into pain relief tips, let’s first discuss what causes Invisalign soreness. In most cases, gum pain or soreness is caused by the aligners putting pressure on your teeth in order to move them into the desired position. This pressure can cause your gums and teeth to feel tender and sore.
In some cases, it can also be caused by an improper fit of the aligners. If your Invisalign aligners are too tight, they can put unnecessary pressure on your teeth and gums, which can lead to discomfort.
And to answer the question: Does Invisalign soreness go away? YES, it does! As your gums and teeth adjust to the Invisalign treatment, it should start to dissipate.
Now that we know what causes soreness let’s take a look at some Invisalign pain relief tips!
Tip #1: Take a short break.
If you’re feeling particularly sore, take a break from your Invisalign aligners. Remove your aligners for a few hours and give your teeth and gums a chance to rest. In most cases, Invisalign soreness is at its worst when you first start wearing the aligners. As your teeth adjust to the Invisalign treatment, the soreness should start to dissipate.
Tip #2: Rinse with warm saltwater.
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help to reduce Invisalign soreness and inflammation. Simply mix together ½ teaspoon of salt with warm water and swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with plain water. Repeat this process as needed throughout the day.
Tip #3: Try over-the-counter pain medication.
If Invisalign soreness is proving to be too much to handle, try taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the medication packaging.
Tip #4: Use a mouthwash designed for Invisalign patients.
There are a number of Invisalign-specific mouthwashes on the market that can help to reduce Invisalign soreness. These mouthwashes typically contain ingredients that help to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation.
Tip #5: Apply a cold compress.
If your Invisalign soreness is accompanied by inflammation, a cold compress can help to reduce swelling. Simply wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Tip #6: Drink cold water or suck on ice cubes.
Drinking cold water or sucking on ice cubes can help to numb the mouth and reduce Invisalign soreness. Sipping on cold water throughout the day can also help to keep your mouth hydrated, which is important for Invisalign’s success.
Tip #7: Use Orajel.
Orajel is a topical numbing cream that can be applied to the gums to help reduce Invisalign soreness. Simply apply a small amount of Orajel to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Tip #8: Make sure your aligners are snapped into place.
One common cause of Invisalign soreness is an improper fit. Make sure that your aligners are snapped into place and covering all of your teeth before wearing them for an extended period of time. If your aligners are not properly snapped into place, they can rub against your gums and cause discomfort.
Tip #9: Make sure to stay on schedule.
Invisalign treatment typically lasts for about 12 months. In order to ensure that your Invisalign soreness goes away, it’s important to stay on schedule with your Invisalign treatment. This means wearing your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day and only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Tip #10: Consult your doctor.
If Invisalign soreness persists despite following all of the above tips, it’s important to consult your doctor. In some cases, the pain can be indicative of a more serious problem. Your doctor will be able to determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Invisalign in New Jersey
Invisalign soreness is common, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your life. By following the above tips, you can reduce soreness and get back to enjoying your life. In most cases, soreness is at its worst when you first start wearing the aligners. As your teeth adjust to the Invisalign treatment, the pain should start to dissipate.
If you’re looking for Invisalign in New Jersey, look no further than Milestone Orthodontics! Dr. Matthew Milestone is a certified Invisalign orthodontist who has been in the field for over 40 years. In that time, he has helped countless patients achieve the smile of their dreams.
If you are already undergoing the treatment and are experiencing persistent Invisalign soreness, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We would be more than happy to help you find relief.
Our offices are located in Paramus and West Orange, New Jersey. We offer free Invisalign consultations, so you can come in and see what Invisalign can do for you!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!