If you’ve gone with Invisalign to straighten your teeth and achieve your orthodontic goals, you’ve made an exciting choice that comes with all kinds of benefits! The aligners are removable, discreet, and very easy to maintain—plus, they’re known for being far more comfortable than metal braces. That said, it’s still normal to feel a little tenderness or pressure when you start out, or when you switch to a new set of trays. Here are some tips for addressing this mild discomfort and keeping things on track!
Tip #1. Start Each New Set of Aligners at Night
When it’s time to switch to your next set of aligners, which you’ll usually have to do about every two weeks, try putting them in right before going to bed. You’ll sleep through the first several hours of wearing them, meaning that by morning, your teeth will be more adjusted to wearing them and they won’t feel quite so tight.
Tip #2. Use Invisalign Chewies
Invisalign chewies are small cylinders made of ultra-soft foam material that you can use to help your aligners fit more snugly. A few minutes of gently biting down on these chewies is all it takes to reduce uneven pressure points and help your trays rest more comfortably over your teeth. These are given to you with your aligners, but you can easily purchase more from most pharmacies or grocery stores, or ask your orthodontist for more.
Tip #3. Stick to Soft Foods for the First Day or Two
Your teeth may feel tender after switching to a new set of aligners, or when you first begin your Invisalign journey, so give them a break by sticking to soft foods for a day or two. Options like mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, soups and broths, boiled rice and pasta, steamed veggies, and other similar choices are very gentle on teeth and shouldn’t cause further soreness.
Tip #4. Keep Your Aligners Clean and Fresh
Clean aligners don’t just look better—they also feel better! Buildup or residue from food that becomes trapped on your aligners can irritate your gums, teeth, or tongue. Brush your aligners often with a soft-bristle toothbrush and rinse them frequently with cool (never hot) water. You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deeper clean. Of course, it goes without saying that you also should be brushing and flossing every day.
Remember, the first few days of wearing new trays are the most difficult—but if you remain consistent and do what you can to ease your discomfort, you’ll easily make it through as your mouth adjusts!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Dayville has served patients and families in the area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages including Invisalign clear aligners. We’re also fortunate to have two orthodontists leading the way: Dr. Maddie Li and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (860) 774-2008.