Sciota, Pennsylvania
Are you interested in using Invisalign to straighten your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing this method of orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. The benefits of Invisalign are known; the clear aligners that are employed are more discreet and, in many cases, achieve the treatment goal more quickly than traditional braces. If you’re considering Invisalign, you might be concerned about the treatment causing discomfort. We look to answer that question, today on the blog.
Get the facts on Invisalign
Whereas braces use a system of brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign employs transparent aligners. These aligners make a snug fit over your teeth and apply gentle pressure to straighten them gradually over time. The aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness, but you can also remove them whenever you eat, clean your teeth or plan to have photos taken. Over the course of treatment, you should return to your Invisalign provider every few weeks to receive a new set of aligners, which reflects the changing position of your teeth.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, either type of orthodontic treatment wields pressure to shift your teeth. With both methods of treatment, you should expect some degree of discomfort from time to time, especially when you receive a new set of aligners. We recognize the difficulties this may cause, but any discomfort you experience validates that your teeth are moving and the treatment is working.
How to manage any pain from Invisalign
Discomfort from Invisalign may manifest itself in a single tooth, several teeth simultaneously, the musculature of the mouth, the jaws or even the tongue.
Quiet Valley Dental recommends the following regimen if you experience any pain issues during your Invisalign treatment:
- Eat a diet of soft foods. This gives your teeth time to adjust without also having to work hard chewing food. Avoid any especially crunchy food, including most raw produce. Smoothies and minced meat can be good sources of protein during this time.
- Reach for the wax. Your aligners are made to feel snug, because they’ve been designed specifically in accordance with the exact shape of your teeth. Orthodontic wax can alleviate discomfort from the snug fit. Place the wax on the edges of your aligners to see if that helps.
- Chill out. Use a cold compress and apply it to your mouth for a few minutes at a time. The application of the compress should be handled in a similar way to the treatment of pain and swelling anywhere else in the body.
Invisalign dentistry in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Not all dentists can work with Invisalign – only certified providers. Quiet Valley Dental is proud to be one of these certified practices and thus offer Invisalign to our patients in Sciota, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, take the next step and schedule a consultation. At this appointment, one of our dentists can evaluate the alignment of your teeth and review your dental and medical history to determine if Invisalign is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, call (570) 992-7040 or complete our online appointment request form.
