A common question patients ask is: “How long does Invisalign hurt?“
Invisalign has quickly risen in popularity as a more discreet alternative to metal braces, with nearly 13 million patients using Invisalign to enhance their smiles.
But many people wonder, “Is Invisalign painful? And does Invisalign pain get better throughout the treatment?”
The good news is that it’s normal to experience some discomfort because your teeth are gradually shifting and aligning into their new positions. But this discomfort is typically temporary. For most patients, the pain and discomfort dissipate after a few days.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at when Invisalign stops hurting and how you can minimize your discomfort. We’ll answer questions like:
- Are your teeth supposed to hurt with Invisalign?
- How long does it take for Invisalign to stop hurting?
- Does Invisalign get more comfortable over time?
- What should I do to help with the pain?
Is Invisalign Supposed To Hurt?
Are your teeth supposed to hurt with Invisalign? Understanding the Invisalign process is key to knowing how to deal with Invisalign pain.
Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth into place using a series of clear, removable aligners. These aligners are custom-made to fit your smile. You wear each set of aligners for a week or so before progressing to the next set in the series.
As with any orthodontic treatment, there’s potential for some discomfort when first getting Invisalign because your teeth are adjusting to the pressure needed to move them into their new positions. But the pain is temporary for most patients and should lessen in a few days or weeks.
How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?
The answer to this question is unique to each patient. Here are several factors that can determine how long your teeth will hurt with Invisalign.
- The severity of your crowding or misalignment: More severe cases might take longer to adjust to Invisalign and could cause more discomfort than less severe cases.
- How well you tolerate pain: Some people are more sensitive to pain than others and might find that Invisalign hurts more.
- How well you follow the treatment plan: You should always wear your aligners as directed by your orthodontist and avoid chewy or hard foods that can damage the aligners and hurt your mouth or gums.
- Other dental issues: If you have other dental issues, you might experience more pain and discomfort than others.
Symptoms You May Experience
In addition to some pain and discomfort, you might experience a few other symptoms when first getting Invisalign, including:
- Headaches. Some patients get headaches at the beginning of their Invisalign treatment, likely because of the aligners’ pressure on their teeth and jaw. The good news is these headaches typically go away after a few days or weeks.
- Soreness. Your teeth, gums, and jaw might also feel sore, but that’s normal, and any pain should dissipate.
- Difficulty speaking. You might have difficulty speaking when first getting Invisalign because the aligners can affect how your teeth come together. However, this is typically a temporary side effect and will improve as you get used to wearing the aligners.
- Dry mouth. Because the aligners can trap saliva in your mouth, some patients experience dry mouth when first getting Invisalign. But dry mouth is typically a temporary side effect and should improve as your treatment progresses.
So, does Invisalign get more comfortable? If you follow the prescribed treatment plan, yes! Any pain should subside as you get used to the treatment. But if you’re experiencing any discomfort, here are some of our top tips.
How To Relieve Tooth Pain From Invisalign
How long until Invisalign stops hurting? While the experience is different for everyone, the average time you’ll have teeth sore from Invisalign is around one week. You can try a few things to reduce the pain and make the adjustment period more comfortable.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication. Taking ibuprofen or a similar pain reliever can help with any discomfort.
- Try a cold compress. You can use a cold compress to numb the area and reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Use a mouth rinse. A mouth rinse with chamomile or calendula can help soothe your gums and reduce inflammation.
- Apply an oral topical pain reducer. You can apply an over-the-counter topical gel to your teeth and gums to relieve pain and sensitivity temporarily.
However, taking your aligners out for more than 2 hours per day isn’t a recommended solution for how to deal with Invisalign pain. Not wearing the aligners for the recommended time can drastically alter the success and timeline of your treatment.
So, when does Invisalign stop hurting? Invisalign stops hurting in about one week from the time you receive your aligners.
When To Seek Help With Invisalign Pain
Any pain associated with Invisalign should be temporary, but you should seek help from your orthodontist if:
- You experience severe pain that lasts more than a few days.
- Your gums or jaw swell and prevent you from wearing your aligners.
- You develop a fever.
- You have difficulty eating or speaking.
- You notice that your aligners are cracked or damaged.
While Invisalign treatments can be uncomfortable, noticeable pain that interferes with your daily life isn’t normal. So if you experience any of the above symptoms, reach out to your orthodontist immediately.
Trust Bates Orthodontics With Your Invisalign Needs
When you first start your Invisalign treatment, you may wonder, “Does Invisalign pain get better? How long does Invisalign hurt?”
If you’re considering Invisalign, knowing that discomfort is possible and how to deal with it will help ensure your treatment goes smoothly.
As the leading Invisalign provider in Richmond, VA, and the surrounding areas, the Bates Orthodontics team is here to ensure you have a great experience and see the best results.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you achieve the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted – with as little pain as possible!
