Invisalign clear aligners have become very well known for the advantages that they offer over colorful braces, while being able to treat many of the same types of cases. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, easy to clean, and best of all virtually invisible! The clear aligners are made of smooth thermoplastic for maximum comfort, and each set is worn for about two weeks until being replaced by the next set. However, when wearing a new set of aligners for the first time, some patients may experience slight discomfort or soreness while their mouth and teeth adjust. Here are some tips to make treatment with Invisalign in Salem OR more comfortable:
Take An Anti-Inflammatory To Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
Since the new set of aligners is going to put some pressure on the teeth, some patients will experience a small amount of discomfort or slight pressure. The use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Aleve, or their generic counterparts is quite helpful during the first 12-24 hours of wearing your new set of aligners. In order to avoid any health complications, please be sure to consult with your doctor if you are currently on any medications or have any health issues that may be complicated by taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Change Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Right Before Bedtime
In addition to taking a dose or two of a doctor-approved NSAID, applying your new aligners right before going to sleep will help prevent some discomfort and soreness. This will provide 6-8 hours of adjustment time, so by the time you wake up, your aligners will already have a more comfortable fit.
Use An Emery Board To Smooth The Edges of Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
It is not uncommon for Invisalign patients to place a new set of aligners on their teeth and experience slight discomfort in their tongue or cheek. Invisalign aligners tend to have a rough edge to them, which can be easily resolved by using the smooth side of an emery board. Gently file along the rough edges of the Invisalign aligners to make for a more comfortable fit.
Apply Orthodontic Wax Along the Clear Aligner Edges
Orthodontic wax is a silicone wax that applies clear and has been used for many years by patients that are being treated with braces. In addition to filing the rough edges with an emery board, you can also help reduce or prevent irritation in your gums, tongue, or lip by applying orthodontic wax along the gum line where the Invisalign aligner edges are located. A small strip of wax can be pushed up flat against the gums to prevent the aligners from rubbing against the gums and irritating them.
Use Canker-X on any Gum Irritation
Canker-X is an ointment that is used to treat canker sores and sores in the mouth, and it can also help relieve any discomfort associated with applying a new set of Invisalign clear aligners. This ointment contains benzocaine, which is a topical anesthetic that instantly numbs the area of application for at least a couple of hours. In addition, this also acts a bandage that sticks to gums or lips to provide relief and comfort to any of the areas that may be irritated by the aligners.
Use Biotene & XyliMelts to Moisturize Your Mouth
Invisalign may cause dry mouth for patients that do an extensive amount of speaking during lectures, business meetings, or phone calls. Biotene is a moisturizing mouth spray that helps fight against dry mouth by lubricating the inside of your mouth for hours of additional comfort. XyliMelts are lozenges that are intended to rest in between your cheek and gums in order to coat, soothe, and moisturize the mouth during the workday or throughout a night's sleep.
Getting Treatment With Invisalign Clear Aligners in Salem OR
We hope these tips will help make your Invisalign treatment enjoyable and comfortable. Dr. Castilla and the team at Castilla Orthodontics are here to answer any questions you may have regarding treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Salem, Sublimity, Mt. Angel, Dallas, Keizer, and the surrounding areas of Marion County. Call or text Castilla Orthodontics at 503-399-0721 to schedule a free consultation today, or take an online virtual consultation.
