By Maylands Dental Centre 
Are you ready to embark on your Invisalign journey? Starting an orthodontic treatment can be a big decision. It can cause drastic changes in how your smile looks, but it requires a commitment to regular dental visits and maintenance.
Don’t worry! Starting Invisalign treatment can be relatively easy if you know what to expect. Stay with us as we investigate and provide solutions to ease your transition into using Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment.
Whether you want to know how long it takes to get used to aligners or have questions about brushing and eating with braces, we’ve got answers! So read on and get ready as we prepare you for what happens in the first weeks of Invisalign treatment.
What Should I Expect During the First Few Weeks of Invisalign Treatment?
Starting Invisalign treatment and knowing that you are on the road to straighter teeth can be a thrilling experience. However, it may also leave you feeling unsure of what to expect.
Invisalign treatment begins with taking impressions or scans of your teeth to fabricate custom-made aligners. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll get multiple sets and instructions on how long to wear each and when to switch to the next set.
After receiving your custom-made aligners, you will wear them for 20-22 hours each day. Here’s what to expect during Invisalign treatment:
- You may experience tightness when wearing your aligners.
Each set of aligners is designed to achieve certain tooth movements. These aligners will feel very snug and tight for a couple of days in the beginning and when switching trays. However, as your teeth slowly shift into position, they will eventually become more comfortable to wear. - Your teeth may feel a little sore.
As teeth move, the ligaments holding the tooth in place are pushed and pulled, causing them to feel sore. When this happens, patients may feel discomfort or pain when they chew. We recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. - You will feel that you salivate more than usual.
Having foreign objects inside the mouth causes us to salivate more. Since aligners are essentially foreign, they cause us to produce more saliva. In the beginning, patients may feel like their mouth is becoming too full because of the Invisalign tray and the saliva, but eventually, as they adjust and get used to the feeling of having the trays in their mouth, saliva production will return to normal. - Your bite will feel a little weird.
As your teeth adjust to the new aligners, you may experience minor changes in your bite. This is normal and should go away after a few days of wearing the aligners. If it persists, please get in touch with your dentist so they can recheck your teeth alignment and make any necessary adjustments. - You may find it hard to talk at first.
When you first begin wearing Invisalign, it is normal to experience some difficulty speaking. As your mouth and tongue get used to the aligners, this should go away. If you continue to have problems after a few days, please speak with your dentist about possible solutions. - Your gums may become irritated or inflamed.
Wearing Invisalign can cause some irritation or inflammation to your gums. It is important to brush and floss regularly to reduce gum inflammation and discomfort. Your dentist may also recommend using an antimicrobial rinse or placing wax on the edges of the aligners for added comfort.
How Can I Manage Invisalign Pain?
In the process of straightening your crooked teeth, you may experience temporary discomfort as your teeth are adjusting to the aligners. Everyone is different, and all Invisalign journeys vary in terms of pain felt during treatment. However, pain relief is available.
If you’re ready to tackle Invisalign head-on without any hesitation, here are five Invisalign pain management tips:
- Take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Apply ice packs or cold compress to inflamed areas.
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water.
- Use wax to cover the sharp edges of your aligner and protect your gums.
- Massage the affected area before removing the Invisalign aligner trays.
Taking these simple steps can help minimise Invisalign pain and discomfort.
Should I Immediately Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?
It is advisable to immediately wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day to give yourself the greatest chance of success. This can help minimise discomfort and accelerate progress towards achieving the beautiful smile of your dreams.
During your Invisalign treatment, it is very important to religiously comply with your orthodontic care plan. This will help your teeth move quickly and efficiently into their desired positions.