Does Invisalign Hurt? Managing Discomfort and What to Expect
What if you could correct orthodontic issues without having to deal with metal braces? Since its introduction in the late ‘90s, Invisalign has made that possible. The treatment uses clear, virtually invisible aligners that can remedy a variety of structural issues without the bulky bracket look. And because Invisalign trays are removable, you can enjoy more freedom with meals and maintain better oral hygiene while you wear them.
But does Invisalign hurt? If so, what does Invisalign pain relief look like?
At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we’ve provided top-tier orthodontic care for over 40 years. In this guide, we’ll break down what Invisalign pain feels like and how you can go about managing it.
Read on to get started!
Why Does Invisalign Cause Pain?
Like other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign works by applying pressure to your teeth to shift them into a desired position. This process often causes discomfort, especially when you first begin the treatment and your teeth adjust.
In addition to pressure, some patients report feeling friction as their aligners rub against their teeth and gums, leading to irritation and discomfort. Likewise, muscle tension can also occur when your jaw muscles tighten up, leading to stiffness.
If your Invisalign aligners don’t fit, you may also experience additional discomfort. Working with orthodontic experts to ensure proper fitting and attending follow-up evaluations can help the treatment progress as intended.
How Long Does Invisalign Hurt?
When does Invisalign stop hurting? That’s a common worry for patients, especially for those who feel more discomfort early on. The good news is that, in most cases, Invisalign pain is short-lived and gets easier with time.
Let’s break it down by phase:
First Hours
Most patients report feeling the greatest amount of pressure immediately after putting in new aligners. This period of time is when your teeth begin responding to a fresh round of movement. Most people describe the discomfort as tightness or soreness.
Switching to new aligners before going to sleep can make this adjustment period easier, as it allows you to sleep through the most uncomfortable parts.
Invisalign Pain First Week
The first week of Invisalign treatment is often the toughest. During this period, your mouth and gums are still getting used to having aligners in place, and your teeth are starting to shift. You may notice:
- Tenderness when biting into foods
- Slight gum irritation from the edges of the trays
- General soreness that peaks in the first few days and then fades
By the end of the first week, most patients report that the discomfort they felt has significantly decreased.
Aligner Changes
Throughout treatment, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks. When you do, expect a mild return of pressure or soreness as your teeth adjust. However, this pain is usually far less noticeable than the first aligner.
Many patients say that by their third or fourth tray, the adjustment feels routine and easy to manage.
Long-Term
Within several weeks, most people adapt well to the point that Invisalign discomfort becomes minimal. You may feel occasional soreness during tray changes, but most of the time, you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing aligners.
If you experience persistent or Invisalign pain unbearable moving forward, you’ll want to reach out to your orthodontist to ensure everything is fitting properly.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Hurts More?
Does Invisalign hurt more than braces? Both treatments work by shifting teeth into alignment, so some soreness is unavoidable. However, the type and intensity of discomfort differ.
Traditional Braces:
- Rely on brackets and wires that apply continuous force
- It can cause irritation when the metal rubs against the cheeks and lips
- Require periodic tightening, often resulting in a few days of soreness
Invisalign Aligners:
- Use smooth, custom-fit trays made of medical-grade plastic
- Discomfort usually comes in the form of mild pressure, often when a new set is placed
- Soreness tends to be short-lived and easier to manage compared to braces
While Invisalign can cause discomfort through temporary pressure, this usually fades quickly. In general, most patients find braces to feature more frequent and persistent pain.
Every patient’s tolerance is different, but overall, most people consider Invisalign to be the more comfortable orthodontic option.
How to Relieve Invisalign Pain
Despite generally being less painful than braces, Invisalign can still bring discomfort. When soreness strikes, here are some easy ways to find relief:
- Use Orthodontic Chewies: Chewies are small, soft cylinders designed to help your aligners fit correctly. Biting on them for a few minutes each day can improve the fit of your trays, leading to more effective long-term outcomes while reducing pressure and irritation.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can help reduce the strain on sensitive teeth, especially during the first few days of a new aligner. Stick to softer foods like yogurt, pasta, and soups.
- Use Cold Compresses: A cold compress on the outside of your cheeks can help soothe inflammation and ease tenderness.
- Switch to New Aligners at Night: If possible, change to your next set of aligners before bed. That way, you can sleep through the most intense hours of adjustment.
- Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If discomfort lingers, common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can often help alleviate the pain.
When to Worry: “Invisalign Pain Unbearable”
Mild soreness is common with Invisalign, but if you feel Invisalign pain unbearable? That’s not normally part of the adjustment process. In those cases, aligners may fit incorrectly, press too hard on certain teeth, or cause irritation that requires adjustment.
If you’re wondering how to deal with Invisalign pain, your best bet is to call our team at Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists sooner rather than later.
Why Choose Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists for Invisalign?
At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we’ve helped patients achieve more confident smiles for over 40 years. Our team combines decades of experience with advanced technology, ensuring that your treatment is both effective and comfortable.
We’re proud to be providers of both Invisalign and SureSmile®, allowing us to create customized treatment plans that work for every patient’s needs.
Ready to bring your dream smile to life? Contact our team today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep through the pain?
Yes – in fact, wearing new Invisalign aligners at night is a common way to remedy the initial discomfort, as it often allows you to sleep through the brunt of it. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help offer relief.
Are some aligners more painful than others?
While each patient’s experience varies, discomfort is most common when starting a new tray. This often peaks within 24-48 hours and should decrease afterward as your teeth adjust.
Does pain mean it’s working?
In most cases, yes. Invisalign works by applying pressure to guide your teeth into new positions, so mild soreness can mean progress. That said, this discomfort should be temporary and not excessively painful.
Do chewies help with Invisalign pain?
Chewies help set your aligners more effectively. If your orthodontist recommends them, they can absolutely provide relief.
Can Invisalign cause jaw pain?
Some patients do report jaw pain, particularly during the adjustment period. Invisalign aligners exert pressure on your teeth, which can sometimes lead to strained jaw muscles and joints. If you experience persistent jaw pain, reach out to your orthodontist for an evaluation.