Does Invisalign Hurt?

In modern times, Invisalign has emerged as an incredibly popular alternative treatment to traditional braces in the straightening of Australians’ mouths and achieving that dream smile we all want. 

But like any orthodontic treatment, people often experience trepidation and worry about what to expect when it comes to the process, and potential side effects. While Invisalign is commonly a great option for many people, some considerations need to be taken into account when looking to undertake the Invisalign process.

In this blog, we will discuss whether getting Invisalign hurts, the commonly seen side effects, and what to expect during your Invisalign journey. 

Common Causes of Invisalign Discomfort

Yes, there is a chance that you will experience slight discomfort due to getting Invisalign, however, this shouldn’t stop you from seeking out treatment. It’s incredibly normal to have a level of apprehension when undergoing treatment such as Invisalign or traditional braces. Approximately 16% of all Australians have a fear of the dentist. While Invisalign is considered a more comfortable alternative to what you may experience with traditional braces, there are still some considerations that will need to be addressed as to what you could expect to experience during the process.

• Pain from Initial Pressure: It is a common side effect to experience mild soreness when starting the Invisalign treatment, or when you’re in the midst of changing to a new set. This pain is due to the aligners applying gentle pressure to your teeth as they gradually move. This should fade within a few days.
• Other Irritation: Another side effect that is sometimes experienced by patients is irritation of the gums, cheeks, or lips. This is frequently experienced during the first week of Invisalign treatment as your mouth adjusts.
• Subtle Speech Changes: Sometimes people can notice the development of a slight lisp or change in speech after starting Invisalign treatment. This is just a case of adjusting to your aligners and typically resolves itself as you get used to speaking with your aligners in place. 
• Poor Cleaning Habits: Not looking after and cleaning your aligners properly can lead to odours, discolouration, and bacterial buildup, which can result in discomfort and worsening oral hygiene.
• Eating Habits: What you put in your mouth, especially early on, can also cause discomfort. Consuming hard or chewy foods while your teeth are sensitive can make discomfort worse. Stick to soft foods while in adjustment periods.
• Inconsistency and Skipping: Not sticking to your treatment plan, especially in regards to the switching of aligners, can lead to unnecessary discomfort and delay overall progress. Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day on average; not abiding by this can delay development and cause fit issues and discomfort. 
• Improper Aligner Fit: It is essential to let your dentist know if you experience such gut feelings about how the aligners are fitting. Sometimes they may feel too light or loose at certain points, especially if you haven’t abided by the set treatment plan. 

On the whole, the Invisalign process should not cause you a great deal of discomfort. If you do experience pain during the process, it is most likely temporary and a sign that the treatment is working. Always remember to contact a professional if you are worried about the pain persisting. It’s always better to be safe.

Comparing Invisalign to Braces – What Hurts More? 

When deciding between using Invisalign or traditional braces, one thing that people often consider is which of the two options is going to cause them the most pain. At the end of the day, both treatment options will probably cause a certain amount of discomfort, especially when your teeth are shifting, but the overall pain experience does differ between the two.

• Braces: Typically, braces cause more initial discomfort. After tightening, you may feel soreness in your teeth and gums. Irritation cause also be caused by the metal brackets against your cheeks or lips. 
• Invisalign: Generally causes less overall pain during the treatment process. Discomfort is usually mild and occurs the majority of the time while you’re adjusting to the alginer. As there is no metal involved, there’s less irritation in the mouth.

Which hurts more? Most people report that the experience of traditional braces overall hurts more, especially during the early stages. Invisalign offers a more comfortable and discreet experience overall. However, pain varies completely depending on a person’s tolerance and the complexity of their treatment.

Recommended Daily Time for Wearing Invisalign

For optimal results, it is recommended to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Consistent wear ensures that your teeth are being gently guided into their correct positions effectively. Remember to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water and maintain good oral hygiene practices throughout your treatment. 

Ready to Get Started at Fox Orthodontics?

Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic option that can effectively straighten teeth with proper adherence to the treatment plan. By understanding the factors influencing treatment duration and following recommended guidelines, patients can achieve a beautifully aligned smile in a reasonable timeframe. 

Consult the expert team at Fox Orthodontics today for personalised advice on how Invisalign can address your specific alignment needs.  

Your dream smile is just a phone call away. Let’s get started!