Tips To Make Invisalign More Comfortable

The Invisalign system has become known for its many unique and valuable advantages. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is comfortable, lightweight, and most of all virtually invisible! Clear aligners are composed of smooth thermoplastic for maximum comfort. Each Invisalign set is worn for about two weeks until being replaced by the following set in the series. However, when wearing a new set of aligners, some patients may experience slight discomfort or soreness until their teeth and mouth adjust. Here are some tips to make Invisalign more comfortable:

Emery board

It is common for Invisalign patients to receive a new set of aligners and experience slight discomfort in their tongue or cheek from an edge of their Invisalign aligners. To resolve this issue, we recommend using an emery board, which has a smooth side and a coarse side, similar to a nail file. An emery board may help with smoothing out the edges to make for a more comfortable fit.

Orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax is a clear, silicone wax that is made for dental use. In addition to an emery board, you may also reduce or prevent irritation in your gums, tongue, or lip. Simply apply orthodontic wax along the gum line where the aligner edges are located. A small strip of wax can be pushed up flat against the gums to prevent Invisalign aligners from irritating the gums.

Canker-X

Canker-X is an ointment that is used to treat sores and canker sores in the mouth. This ointment contains benzocaine, which is a topical anesthetic that numbs the area of application. In addition to providing hours of relief and comfort, this also acts as a bandage.

Advil

If a Puyallup orthodontist doesn’t prescribe medication, over-the-counter pain relievers may be quite helpful in the first 12-24 hours of wearing your new set of aligners. When putting a set of aligners on for the first time, it may be beneficial to take a pain reliever and apply clear aligners before sleep to prevent against discomfort and soreness. This will provide 6-8 hours of adjustment time so when you wake up, your aligners should already have a more comfortable fit.

Biotene & XyliMelts

Invisalign may cause dry mouth in some patients, especially those who do public speaking such as lectures, speeches, or business meetings. Biotene is a moisturizing mouth spray that helps fight against dry mouth. Biotene works by lubricating the inside of your mouth for hours of additional comfort. XyliMelts are lozenges intended to coat, soothe, and moisturize the mouth throughout the workday or during a night’s sleep. We hope these tips will help make your Invisalign treatment more enjoyable and with fewer complications.

Finding Tips To Make Invisalign More Comfortable In Puyallup WA

Dr. Virk and Dr. Skountrianos along with our team at Orthodontic Excellence are experts in orthodontic care. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Puyallup WA and North Puyallup WA. Contact Orthodontic Excellence to schedule a free consultation today. Call now (253) 845-6784.