Do invisible aligners hurt?

Many think invisible aligners hurt, a lot. The truth is, they’re super gentle on the teeth, but they might cause mild discomfort in the first hours or days of wearing them. That’s totally normal, and we’ve got some easy hacks to maintain your comfort! 

Before diving in, it’s good to know how invisible aligners work.

An invisible aligner gently shifts your teeth until they reach the desired position. Based on your treatment plan, you’ll get a series of different aligners in your kit. Every 2 weeks, you’ll need to replace the current aligners with the next ones, for as long as the treatment lasts.

So, why do you need different aligners?

Thanks to a simulated 3D view, our orthodontists can pinpoint how your teeth movement will evolve throughout the treatment period. Based on those insights, they will produce different aligners that match the different stages of movement. 

Basically, every new aligner in your kit will help your teeth shift closer to the smile you want. In the first few hours or days of wearing them, they might feel a little tight and cause soreness – that’s completely normal! It’s also important to note that this discomfort might differ from person to person. However, if you do feel like the aligners or are causing you mild pain, you can try out one of the following home tricks:

1. Chew on your Chewies!

When you open your aligner kit, you’ll find some chewies for you to chew on! These soft cylinders, made of spongy plastic, will help ease any soreness or discomfort, and adjust the aligners in your mouth.

Tip: Put a chewie in your mouth and chew on it for a good minute as if it was gum. Repeat that process 2-3 times a day until the soreness fades.

2. Eat cold foods

Feeling a little sore in the teeth? How about you enjoy a nice, cool piece of fruit? Chilled food will alleviate any discomfort. (Don’t forget to take off your aligners before eating!)

3. Put on new aligners at night

When it’s time to switch to your new aligners, make sure you wear them right before you go to sleep. That way, you’ll have an entire night for your teeth to adjust to the new set without feeling a thing! By morning, you’ll be as good as new.

4. Take mild painkillers 

We highly doubt you’ll need to take any painkillers, but just in case – make sure you take mild ones that don’t require a prescription or cause any side effects! Whatever you do, keep wearing your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day to not delay your treatment or cause more discomfort when you put them back on.

Between us, isn’t a healthier smile worth a smidge of discomfort?