Do Clear Braces Hurt?
Before starting orthodontic treatment there are many questions that patients ask their dentist and many options that a patient might have to correct their specific problems. In the case of crooked or misaligned teeth, one of the most common ways of fixing these problems are invisible teeth masks, well-known by the brand name Invisalign. These clear braces have many advantages, including the functional and aesthetic. Because they are less invasive and also are removable, many people choose these invisible aligners over traditional, fixed braces.
Even if you have decided to start invisible orthodontic treatments, which allow teeth to be straightened without anyone noticing through masks or aligners that exert force on the dental arches by moving and aligning the teeth, you undoubtedly have many questions to ask your dentist before undertaking this path, such as:
- Do I really need it?
- How do I clean the aligners?
- Will my habits change?
- Most importantly, does Invisalign cause tooth pain?
To answer this last question, we must start from the assumption that any orthodontic treatment, fixed, mobile or lingual, has as its purpose the displacement of the teeth and therefore a little pain and an accentuated sense of dentinal mobility is normal since the movements involve the skeletal system. and nervous. However, it is usually a matter of pains that concern the first days of the treatment, and which are different from case to case.
Transparent appliance and pain
But specifically, does the transparent appliance, or rather Invisalign, cause pain in the teeth?
From the patient testimonials, it emerges that compared to the traditional device, less pain is felt in the first days of treatment or when changing the masks. However, when you first put on a new set of aligners, you might experience a small amount of discomfort. It might take a couple of days to get used to the masks, but we assure you that you will get used to them. We recommend practicing speaking a bit when you first put in new aligners, as you might have trouble saying some sounds.
The soreness of the teeth for a few days after the application of a new mask is more than normal and indeed, it is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working and are gradually moving the teeth into their final position. However, this discomfort should go away within a couple of days and if it gets worse, a mild pain reliever can be taken to ease the pain, although it is always recommended to see your doctor first. However, if the pain associated with the new mask persists for more than a few days, contact your dentist immediately.
How much to wear Invisalign aligners
The more you wear the masks, the sooner you will see the results, and the sooner you will finish the treatment. As your dentist will explain, optimal use is 22 hours a day. You can therefore go without the appliance for about 2 hours a day. Generally, people keep their aligners in for everything except eating. The longer you wear your aligners, the quicker you will get used to having them in your mouth.