Dentists use aligners to fix the misalignment of teeth and the different problems associated with them. However, while aligners are the solution to your long-time dental issues, they also come with minor inconveniences before you can achieve your expected result.
Invisalign is a clear hard plastic fitted to your teeth. Unlike braces, this clear aligner can be a lot more comfortable because it has smooth edges and doesn’t require realignment every few months. Yet, since Invisalign is used to align your teeth, you can also feel an intense pressure that is no different from traditional braces, as it pulls your teeth together into the right place.
If you recently had your Invisalign installed or adjusted, you might feel some pain. And although the pain is normal, here are simple ways to relieve the discomfort caused by Invisalign if you can’t visit the house of dentistry:
Apply cold compress
Invisalign is a rigid plastic and may scratch the corners of the cheeks and gums. The simplest way to reduce soreness is to apply a cold compress on the side of your jaw where you feel the pain. Let it stay for 10 minutes and do it two to three times a day until the pain subsides.
Wear new trays before bedtime
Changing your clear aligners may be the most uncomfortable time of wearing it because it has to be tighter. However, the time of wearing your aligners may shorten the period of discomfort. Try wearing your new set of Invisalign at night, a few hours before bedtime, so that you won’t have to deal with the pain for a longer period. By the time you wake up, you have already adjusted to the new pressure!
Be mindful of what you eat
Although Invisalign may have soft edges, you should still watch what gets into your mouth if you have it. Fight your urge to eat anything, even when you’re craving something. In the meantime, stick to soft and not hard to chew foods because you may face worse consequences if you abuse your clean aligners.
Avoid removing your aligners
Keep in mind that you must wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, so technically, you have to wear them no matter what you are doing to achieve faster results. If you keep on removing the aligners, you will not get used to their tightness. This is why wearing your aligners more often can make it easier for your teeth to adjust and move on to the next adjustment.
If any unexpected situations hinder you from wearing your aligners, don’t worry because it will not waste the initial process. Once you are ready to wear your Invisalign again, just go back to the dental house if it no longer fits.
Don’t disregard mouth sores
Your aligners can cause scratches and incisions on your tongue and cheeks. Though this is normal when wearing Invisalign, you need to apply the immediate treatment on the mouth sores. If you observe that your dental wax no longer helps, you might go back to your dentist to smoothen the rough edges. A peroxide-based mouthwash also comes in handy in preventing this problem.
Focus on the positive side
Mind over matter sometimes works, even if it hurts to wear Invisalign. Just think that the result you will get in the end is more important than the pain you are currently experiencing. The more pain you get means you are getting closer to finally fixing your dental problem!
Conclusion
Since childhood, you were likely reminded to brush your teeth to avoid dental problems like cavities and decayed teeth. Unfortunately, despite proper oral hygiene, our teeth may grow in ways that are out of our control. But with expert help from your local dentist, you will be able to have a smoother journey with your aligners till you get a perfect set of chompers!
If you are looking for affordable dentistry in Ypsilanti, MI, then you are in the right place. Visit our local dentists at Dental House and let us remedy your long-time dental problems. Get in touch with us to book your appointment!