Orthodontic dentistry has evolved a lot in the recent times. As a result people usually do not need dealing with the conventional metal wires and brackets any more. As such a steadily increasing number of people now rely on Invisalign to straighten their crooked teeth. Invisalign is a smooth, reliable and invisible alternative to conventional braces. Compared to other teeth straightening alternatives that are available Invisalign proves more convenient and hassle-free. Moreover it is aesthetically more soothing and does not make patients self conscious about their appearance.
There are a lot of questions regarding this cutting-edge treatment procedure. How painful it is, exactly what patients can expect and much more.
Let us cover some of the fundamental concepts of this revolutionary teeth straightening procedure in the following section of the blog post.
Quantifying pain in Invisalign treatment
If the truth is to be told, Invisalign is not at all painful. However it is likely to make your teeth feel sore. It is just like any other traditional orthodontic treatment to put it is easier words. When you slip on the braces for the first time your teeth feel some level of discomfort. The teeth are not used to the pressure that the appliance exerts. This is the reason of discomfort and soreness that the teeth are subjected to. The same discomfort is experienced when the braces are tightened to the teeth. Aligner trays that are used in Invisalign treatment are not identical to the wires and brackets used in conventional braces treatment. Thus compared to traditional teeth straightening with fixed metal braces Invisalign offers much lesser discomfort and inconvenience.
The length of experiencing the discomfort and inconvenience
Usually the initial discomfort with Invisalign aligner trays lasts just a few days. However this discomfort is going to be there every time you shift to a new set of braces. On an average you have to switch over to a fresh set of aligner trays every two weeks. One good thing is the discomfort and soreness subside own their own once the teeth get used to the new aligner trays.
It is utmost important to wear the aligner trays as much time as possible
One of the most effective ways to resolve the problem of soreness is to wear the trays as much time as possible. This not only allows the get used to the aligner trays quicker but it also contributes with faster shifting of the teeth into correct alignments. Thus you overcome the problem in soreness as well as achieve desired treatment results faster. However it is important to note that whenever you eat or drink anything other than plain water you must take your removable aligners off. You should also take the braces out while brushing and flossing the teeth.
Ice cubes and cold water to help you out
In order to minimise the soreness Invisalign dentists at the Chatfield Dental Braces suggest drinking cold water. You may also suck on ice cubes too. However with ice cube you must make sure not to bite it down. Ice is a hard substance. The force exerted to bite down an ice cube may damage your teeth as well as your clear plastic aligners.
Put on a fresh set of aligners at bedtime while going to sleep
Any fresh set of aligners is bound to cause the worst level of soreness during the next couple of hours. It is a good idea to wear on any new set of these discreet teeth straightening aligners during bedtime before going to sleep. This will allow you sleep through the worst and initial level of discomfort. When you are awake again the next morning the worst phase with the new set of aligners has already passed by.
Carefully select your diet the first few days on a new set of aligners with soft foods
The few days after switching to a fresh set of aligners you must select your diet carefully. It is better to survive only on soft foods these foods. Avoid anything that is either crunchy or hard. You can get back to your normal diet again after a few days when the teeth do not feel so sensitive anymore.
Painkillers available “over the counter“ are okay
If you think you cannot take any more of the soreness and discomfort that any new set of aligners invariably bring just rely on analgesic or painkiller medicines that are available over the counter at chemist shops. Usually the level of discomfort that these aligners bring is usually manageable for the majority of people. In case you find it unbearable it is okay to seek resort to standard painkillers.
What should you do in case Invisalign discomfort does not wear away?
Always remember the baseline, Invisalign is never meant to bring you soreness and discomfort. If there is a persistent discomfort in your Invisalign treatment then that is never normal. In that case you should better speak with your Invisalign provider. The dentist handling your treatment is the most reliable person who can get into the depth of the matter and bring you the much needed relief.
Treatment aftercare and importance of wearing retainers
Once your Invisalign treatment gets over and the final set of braces is taken out from the teeth you have to rely on retainers. Your dentist or orthodontist will instruct you on using retainers. Retainers are a type of orthodontic appliance that prevents the teeth from sinking back into their initial position. As a matter of fact the teeth may sink back into their original positions undoing the entire work done by the treatment. This phenomenon is called relapse. But when you wear retainers as instructed by your oral health practitioner there is no relapse of the teeth. Thus orthodontic retainers not only retain your teeth in their corrected positions but also help retaining your improved smile.
Trained and experienced dentists successfully handling cases with Invisalign in London explain during the treatment the impact of wearing aligners softens up your jawbone. Gradually the jawbone disappears to make way for the teeth to move to their desired positions. As your treatment ends you are no more on those aligners there are chances for the teeth to undergo relapse. This is why you need wearing aligners till new jawbone grows to hold the teeth in place. Usually this takes about 9 to 12 months. Till then it is important to wear the aligners.
