Research shows that 9 out of 10 people have some tooth misalignments. About one-third of people with wisdom teeth will experience crowding since there isn’t enough room.

If you got new Invisalign trays, you may be experiencing Invisalign pain. This is quite common since there is a transitional period.

Invisalign and braces in Glenview, IL, are going to cause some initial pain. This is because your teeth are moving into the right positions, causing discomfort.

Keep reading to find out how to reduce Invisalign pain.

1. Cold Foods and Liquids

If you got Invisalign in Vernon Hills, you may be experiencing some discomfort. This is very common, especially in the first few weeks after getting your first trays.

Your orthodontist in Glenview, IL, should have given you some instructions. These would include what you can and cannot eat for this initial period.

Something you can do to try to treat the pain is to stick to cold foods and drinks. Heat has a tendency to make the pain a bit worse, so avoid that as much as possible.

Try drinking very cold water or tea with plenty of ice cubes. You could even suck on an ice cube directly throughout the day if the pain becomes severe.

Instead of eating hot foods, you could stick to cold and soft foods. This includes anything at room temperature or something like a cold soup or cold noodles.

2. Avoid Hard Foods

Even though eating hard foods will not damage your teeth, it does increase the pain. If you are experiencing Invisalign pain, you want to stick to soft foods.

This will help decrease the pain since there isn’t much chewing required. Some examples of soft foods you could try include bread, hard-boiled eggs, or fish.

Stay away from things like crackers, steak, or nuts. You could also try cutting up your food into very small bites to reduce chewing.

This allows you to still enjoy your favorite foods without irritating your teeth as much. Caring for teeth after getting Invisalign may interrupt your life for a week or two.

You may want to prepare beforehand by buying a variety of softer food options.

3. Try Pain Killers

Your orthodontist in Glenview, IL, most likely recommended over-the-counter painkillers. This is a good option if you are experiencing a great deal of Invisalign pain.

You will most likely only need painkillers for the first few days. This is when the pain will be the most severe as your mouth is adjusting.

Experts recommend using your first Invisalign trays at night because of this. This will help you to not be aware of the discomfort as you are getting used to the trays.

Any over-the-counter painkiller should be fine, but you may want to run it by your orthodontist. They may have some recommendations that are more suitable for you.

4. Ensure They’re In Correctly

Invisalign retainers take some time to get used to when you first get them. One thing to consider if you are having pain is if they are in the right way.

The trays should snap into place and push in completely. If they are not fitting tightly over your teeth, something may be wrong.

If they do not seal to your teeth, this will create more discomfort. They may dig into your gums and cause tooth sensitivity, so always make sure they are inserted correctly.

5. Rinse With Saltwater

Saltwater is a great option anytime you are having oral discomfort. When looking at Invisalign vs braces, both have a tendency to create sores and rawness.

This is usually temporary as your mouth is getting used to the Invisalign trays. But if it is very uncomfortable, you can make a saltwater solution to use as a mouthwash.

Simply add a small amount of sea salt to water and let it dissolve. You can then rinse your mouth out with that as necessary if you have rawness or sores along your mouth.

Stay away from harsh mouthwashes from the store, as these could cause more discomfort.

6. Use Orthodontic Wax

A great trick that you can try for your Invisalign pain is to use orthodontic wax. The edges of the trays can feel very sharp and start to cause gum pain.

Orthodontic wax can be spread over those hard edges to provide a cushion. This protects your gums from these edges when you are wearing your trays.

It is also easy to remove and replace as necessary. Just make sure you are removing all the wax so that your Invisalign trays stay sanitary.

7. Use a Cold Compress

Along with eating and drinking cold foods and liquids, you can use a cold compress. You can create a DIY compress from a wet washcloth or a bag of frozen vegetables.

Apply this to the sides of your mouth where you are experiencing the most pain. The cold will help to numb the pain and make it more bearable over time.

Invisalign Pain: What to Do About It

If you got new Invisalign trays, you may be experiencing Invisalign pain. Adult orthodontics are useful, but they can be uncomfortable initially.

There are many benefits of straight teeth, including getting a beautiful smile. But you will have to manage the discomfort of getting used to your Invisalign treatment.

Some things you could do include using a cold compress or a saltwater mouth rinse. Or you could use orthodontic wax to soften the rough edges of the trays.

Are you interested in getting Invisalign retainers in Glenview? Contact us today at Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.