If you’re thinking about treating your orthodontic issue with Invisalign, you may be wondering if clear aligners will hurt to wear. Today, our Summerland dentists share insights and offer answers to this common question.
How will Invisalign aligners feel in my mouth?
You want a healthier smile - and straighter teeth. But let’s be realistic: you want to know the method you choose for your orthodontic treatment will be comfortable to wear. You are thinking about the next one to two years of your life, so this is an important aspect.
Our team at Jubilee Dental Centre can put your worries to rest. Many of our patients who have used Invisalign say that while they felt slight discomfort after they first started to wear their aligners, this sensation gradually disappeared over time until they didn’t notice it anymore.
Remember what it was like to wear new dress shoes to that last work conference or wedding you attended? Over time, they grew more comfortable as you kept wearing them. Though you may feel some discomfort with your aligners at first, you should be able to “break them in” and get used to wearing them on your teeth until you are no longer bothered.
How long will it take for me to get used to my aligners?
When you see your dentist for your Invisalign consultation, he or she will examine your teeth to determine the duration of your treatment, along with how much pressure your aligners will need to apply so your teeth will shift into their corrected positions.
No matter which orthodontic treatment option you choose, some amount of pressure will need to be applied to your teeth. While this pressure may cause some discomfort when you start your treatment and for the first few days after you switch to a new set of aligners, this ‘adjustment period’ will soon end. Be patient with yourself and your aligners, and take time to get used to the feeling.
After your new set of aligners has been in your mouth for a few days, any discomfort should gradually subside until you put your next set of aligners in.
Unlike braces, your Invisalign aligners won't have any metal brackets or wires to rub against the soft tissues in your mouth. That said, remember your mouth may still become irritated when you first begin your treatment.
If this irritation does lead to some discomfort inside your mouth, try to be patient - after a while, your gums and cheeks will adapt and toughten up. The aligners will then begin to feel more comfortable.