Patients that want straighter teeth have a convenient and affordable treatment option with Invisalign®. The aligner trays gradually move the teeth into alignment.
At Fort Bend Dental in Missouri City, TX, we offer Invisalign treatment. This cosmetic procedure is mostly pain-free, but periodic discomfort can be experienced. These seven tips can reduce Invisalign discomfort.
1. Choose a Skilled Dentist
The most important thing is to choose a highly skilled dentist, such as one of the doctors at Fort Bend Dental. A qualified and respected dentist will ensure that you understand how to properly place and maintain your aligner trays.
Beyond that, these tips are proven to be beneficial while undergoing Invisalign treatments.
2. Wear Your Trays 20 to 22 Hours Per Day
The manufacturers of Invisalign trays recommend that trays are worn 22 hours a day. Most dentists similarly recommend that aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours per day.
These guidelines are intended to ensure that the teeth move according to a projected timeline. The Invisalign trays can only move teeth while the trays are in physical contact with teeth.
Patients who do not wear their trays for at least 20 hours a day risk experiencing discomfort when the aligners are placed back in the mouth. This is because teeth can revert back to their original position, even within the span of only a few hours.
To avoid the potential discomfort associated with failing to comply with the 20- to 22-hour rule, be sure to wear your trays as recommended.
3. Place New Trays before Sleeping
If patients experience any discomfort during Invisalign treatment, it is most likely to occur during the first three days after a new tray is placed. That is because each new tray is slightly different than the previous tray.
When a new aligner is placed, patients may feel pressure on specific areas of the mouth. That pressure is an indication of which teeth are currently being moved during that two-week process.
To avoid the discomfort associated with new tray placements, try inserting new trays right before going to sleep. You’ll effectively sleep through a majority of this phase of the Invisalign treatment.
4. Report Gum Irritation to Your Dentist
One potential source of irritation occurs where the edges of the aligner trays meet the gums. Although the trays are manufactured using a patented thermoplastic material that is designed to minimize discomfort, the occasional rubbing of the tray’s edges can cause irritation for some patients.
If this does occur, notify your dentist. Your doctor can trim the protruding portion of the tray while preserving the function of your aligner trays. Never try to cut the plastic yourself.
5. Regularly Clean Your Aligners
Your aligners should be cleaned just as often as your teeth, meaning twice a day or more. Cleaning your aligners ensures that no obstructions build up that could further irritate your teeth. Clean trays also help to preserve oral health and reduce the chances of bad breath.
6. Avoid Certain Foods
As your teeth move, they may be tender and more sensitive than usual. Avoiding hard and crunchy foods are easy ways to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
7. Be Patient with the Treatment Process
Remember, Invisalign treatments are far more comfortable than traditional braces. Any temporary discomfort associated with the treatment will soon pass.
Avoid the temptation to remove your aligners too often. You may inadvertently cause further problems or delays in your treatments. Invisalign treatments can take several months or more to complete, but the results will last a lifetime.
Contact Fort Bend Dental Today
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during Invisalign treatments. If you have any questions about clear braces, our doctors will be glad to answer all your questions and concerns. If you are ready to learn about the benefits of Invisalign treatments, contact our office online or call (281) 336-9971.
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