Having to get orthodontic care can be a little scary, but knowledge is power. The more you are prepared for what to expect during your treatment, the more comfortable experience you will have.
If you choose Invisalign aligners, the clear plastic removable aligners, you will have fewer adjustments to make than if you chose a more traditional treatment like metal braces, but it will still be an adjustment, including some minor discomfort until your mouth gets used to the aligners.
Don’t worry though, there are plenty of common ways to mitigate Invisalign pain.
Orthodontic Wax
Even though Invisalign aligners are usually more comfortable to wear, you can sometime still experience so discomfort from the aligners and any buttons or attachments the orthodontist might have adhered to your teeth to help straighten your smile. Using orthodontic wax however can help relieve some of that initial discomfort.
Over the Counter Pain Relief
Over-the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also alleviate any minor pain or discomfort as well. If the Invisalign pain persists more than just a few days though, give your orthodontist a call.
Orajel
Orajel ointment is another pain reliever, this time topical. Apply it directly to the teeth or areas of your gums that are causing you discomfort. Follow the instructions carefully.
Aligner Retrieval Tools
Usually there is a learning curve to learn the smoothest way to get the aligners in and out of your mouth which can lead to the discomfort. Luckily though there are tools available that can make it a lot easier to get the aligners on and off your teeth and to make sure it is positioned properly. Look for one that is made of surgical stainless steel so it is easy to keep clean and will last you a long time.
Invisalign Chewies
Chewies are another product that can help you with switching the aligners in and out. You can usually get them 2 in a pack.
The good news is that the adjustment to Invisalign braces is not as difficult as it is with other types of braces, but your mouth will need a little time to adjust.
Because there are no metal wires or permanent brackets on your teeth, you won’t have any tooth or gum irritation, but just like with a retainer you will have to get used to putting the aligners in and out, and adjusting to speaking with the aligners. However, while you may experience some soreness the first few days as you adjust to wearing the aligners, once your mouth adjusts you should have no problems.
Here are some other tips to make your Invisalign treatment go more smoothly.
- Don’t forget to wear your aligners. The fact that your Invisalign aligners are removable can be a double edge sword. On one hand it is means that unlike with metal braces there are no food restrictions because you can remove the aligners when you eat. Brushing and flossing your teeth is also easier because you can remove them. Problems come in though if you tend to forget to put the aligners back in after meals and snacks.
- Clean your aligners properly. Avoid discoloration, odor and a buildup of bacteria by following these tips for how to clean Invisalign trays. Each morning take your trays out and clean both your teeth and the trays thoroughly. While you were sleeping a lot of bacteria could have built up on the trays so it is important to start the day off right with clean teeth and trays. Make sure you do this every evening as well.
- Always brush and floss your teeth before putting the trays back in. If you put the trays back in when there are food particles still stuck between your teeth, you will be trapping them inside the trays which could lead to cavities and other dental issues down the road.
- Never leave your Invisalign trays out in the open. Never leave your Invisalign trays out in the open when you are not wearing them. Leaving them exposed like that could lead to more buildup of bacteria while also making it more likely that you will lose them. Keep your case with you at all times just to be on the safe side. If by chance you do leave them out for a while, it is important that your rinse them, soak them and then rinse them again before putting them on again.
The Designation of your Invisalign Provider Matters
When choosing which orthodontist to go to for your Invisalign treatment, remember that the designation of your Invisalign provider does matter. It is a given that when you do something day in and day out that you will become skilled at it. The same applies with orthodontic work.
Those orthodontists who provide Invisalign treatment to their patients on a daily basis are going to have a leg up on their colleagues who may mostly work with metal braces. This is why Invisalign offers special designation to its providers, to help patients pick the best orthodontist for their particular situation.
Invisalign offers three designations for its providers, Preferred, Premier and Premier Elite based on how many patients they have treated with Invisalign. Choosing an orthodontist with Preferred status will give you the confidence that your orthodontist is very experienced with this type of treatment. For top level experience though you should choose a provider with the distinction of being a Premier Elite Provider.
While an Invisalign providers designation is important, it is just one aspect of the orthodontist practice that you should be considering when make a choice for where to go. How they treat their patients, cost of their services and how comfortable you feel in your surroundings all also should play a role in your decision.
As an Invisalign Premier Elite provider, we at Orthodontics Limited are one of the top orthodontists in the Philadelphia area. We also have proven success in other types of treatments as well.
Call us or message us today to schedule a free consultation.
