Clear aligners, like Invisalign, allow us to achieve a better and more confident smile. But let’s be honest; getting comfortable with them can be challenging. Still, there are some simple ways to cope with it, so it becomes less of a headache, literally.
Here are six tips to help make your clear aligner journey more comfortable and speed up your orthodontic treatment.:
1. Keep your orthodontic wax handy
If your aligners are chafing your gums or cheeks, orthodontic wax is your best bet. It creates a smooth layer that separates the aligners from the gum and other areas of your mouth.
Just twist a small piece between your thumbnails and apply it to the part that hurts. This fleeting remedy will keep the pain at bay and make things bearable.
2. Stick to the orthodontic treatment plan
You may be tempted to wear your aligners for a shorter time than recommended, especially when experiencing discomfort. However, wearing them as directed (about 22 hours a day) is critical to the progress of the treatment.
The discomfort stems from your teeth moving and shifting into their proper positions, ultimately correcting the issue. If you follow the plan, your teeth will continue to move steadily at a much more comfortable rate in the long run, with the pain lessening in turn.
3. Try the cold therapy
If you’re switching from one aligner to another, you can expect more soreness. In this case, you can always use cold therapy.
The steps are simple:
Soak a towel in water and squeeze out most of the water
Put it in a refrigerator for some time.
Place the damp towel on the skin on the outside of your cheek for approximately 10- 15 minutes.
The cold will have a beneficial effect on whatever inflammation the soreness is coming from, and the numbness will just ease the pain.
4. Hydrate always
Drinking plenty of water is very important when wearing aligners as it keeps your mouth moist and stops the aligners from rubbing against your gums too much.
Plus, staying hydrated helps with your overall health. Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks, which can stain your aligners and make things uncomfortable.
5. Chewies for comfort
Your orthodontist might give you "chewies," small silicone cushions you can bite down on.
Chewing on these gently helps your aligners fit better on your teeth, making them more comfortable, especially when you switch to a new set of aligners.
6. Stick to soft foods
When you first start wearing new aligners, your teeth might feel a bit sore. To avoid extra discomfort, try sticking to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, or scrambled eggs. This way, you’re not putting too much pressure on your sensitive teeth.
Get the right orthodontic treatment to smile with confidence
Clear aligners can give you a fantastic smile, and with these simple tips, you can manage any discomfort that comes up along the way.
At Brunswick Valley Orthodontics, we’re committed to making your smile journey as smooth and positive as possible. Schedule a consultation to discover how we can help you achieve the confident smile you’ve always wanted!