Does Invisalign hurt?

Are you considering Invisalign treatment and wondering how it might impact your daily life? One common question we receive from patients is whether Invisalign aligners cause discomfort or pain.

How Invisalign is different from braces

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires to poke or rub.

But does this mean you can expect a completely pain-free experience?

Our experience of treating 10,000 patients

We’ve transformed over 10,000 smiles with Invisalign, and while everyone’s threshold for discomfort varies, most patients experience some mild irritation when they first start wearing their aligners or switch to a new set.

This discomfort is a sign that your aligners are working to straighten your teeth. Any achiness typically eases after a day or two, and you can take over-the-counter painkillers if needed.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly and minimise any soreness to your cheeks or tongue. If the edges of your aligners start to rub, you can carefully smooth them with a nail file or contact us for advice.

Tips to make Invisalign more comfortable

Here are some tips to make your Invisalign experience more comfortable.

• Avoid hard or crunchy foods during the first few days if your teeth feel tender
• Start wearing your new set of aligners before bed to give your teeth time to adapt while you sleep
• Avoid clenching your jaw – your top and bottom teeth shouldn’t be touching when your jaw is at rest
• Keep wearing your aligners or you could prolong any discomfort and even extend your treatment

If you have any concerns or experience any issues with your clear aligners, we’re always here to help. Our emergency service is available out of hours, and everything is included in the cost of your treatment.