Is Invisalign® painful?

Invisalign is one of the most popular teeth-straightening options available today, and we see hundreds of patients in Wigan who are looking for a brighter, straighter smile. However, many patients worry about potential pain, and this puts some people off having Invisalign despite the benefits. 

Generally speaking, Invisalign is not painful and is popular among patients because it is more comfortable and less intrusive than traditional fixed braces; Invisalign aligners are also removable and do not have any sharp wires or hard brackets which could cause injury. However, wearing clear aligners sometimes feels slightly strange at first, and you may feel some pressure or tightness in the first few weeks. 

But in the long term, Invisalign can help relieve pain; if your teeth are straighter, it will be easier for you to clean your teeth, preventing decay, inflammation and the discomfort that can result. It will also reduce tooth and jaw pain resulting from bite issues and crowded teeth. 

Let’s break down what you can expect. 

Situations where Invisalign can cause pain 

Although Invisalign aligners are generally painless to wear, you may experience discomfort in some situations, especially when you first start your treatment. These can include:

• A new set of aligners

It’s normal to experience some soreness or tightness when you change aligners, whether you’re only just starting out or have been wearing Invisalign for some time. This is because every set is designed to move your teeth closer to their final positions; the pressure or tightness you may feel is a sign that your teeth are being straightened. 

• Discomfort in one tooth

Sometimes, you might experience more discomfort in one tooth than the others in your mouth. This usually means that the tooth is being moved further than your other teeth; for example, if you have a crossbite where one tooth sticks significantly out from the rest, or cases where a few of your teeth are crowded but not others. 

However, if you experience significant sensitivity or pain in one tooth, then there may be an underlying cause such as decay, enamel erosion or inflammation. 

• Gum disease 

We will help you treat any gum disease before you start Invisalign. If you have gum disease you may experience bleeding while brushing your teeth, swollen gums, and eventually severe pain. We recommend you attend regular dental checkups and follow any advice from your dentist, as left untreated gum disease could lead to an abscess and even tooth loss. 

• Faulty or broken aligners

Very rarely, you may be sent a set of aligners which is broken or has a rough or sharp edge. If this happens, contact us at our Wigan practice so we can provide you with a replacement. 

• Rubbing against cheeks and gums

For the first few weeks, having aligners can take some adjustment, and you may find that your clear braces and any attachments provided with them rub on your cheeks and gums, which can cause irritation. At Circ Dental, we sell orthodontic wax which helps to ease this friction, but if it continues, please contact us. 

How to deal with soreness with Invisalign aligners

Invisalign is popular because it is a removable, discreet and non-invasive treatment, and has the advantage that there is no risk of injury from sharp wires or brackets. However, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, there are a few things we recommend: 

• Wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day 

While Invisalign is highly effective, you do need to wear them around 20-22 hours a day and take them out only for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth. If you wear them less often, your course will take longer to complete and may be less effective. Additionally, it may cause more discomfort as your teeth move. 

• Start a new aligner set before you go to bed 

Our patients often report that the first few hours after starting a new set of aligners can be the most uncomfortable. We recommend putting them on before you go to bed, so your teeth can adjust for around six to eight hours while you are asleep. You may also wish to use a cold compress to ease any pressure. 

• Clean your aligners with cold water 

We recommend using cold water to clean your aligners. Hot water can distort the delicate plastic they are made from, making them more uncomfortable and less effective. 

• Start your new Invisalign set on time 

Make sure you start your new aligner set after 1 or 2 weeks to ensure that you keep on track. If you switch to a new set too soon or continue to wear an old, worn set, this can cause soreness as they will fit poorly. 

• Stick to your dental hygiene routine 

When you start wearing Invisalign, it is easy to forget about more routine aspects of tooth care. Make sure you keep up your oral care routine as advised by your dentist, with brushing, flossing and regular checkups. We also suggest avoiding particularly hard or crunchy foods when you start Invisalign, so your teeth can adjust. 

• Use dental wax 

By applying the dental wax advised by your dentist, you can minimise any friction or soreness caused by any rougher edges.

• See your dentist regularly 

While you wear Invisalign, we suggest scheduling regular checkups so we can track your progress and make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If you experience pain or other symptoms while wearing Invisalign, do not hesitate to visit our Wigan-based practice so that we can help. 

How painful is Invisalign? 

Invisalign can cause discomfort, especially in the first few weeks of treatment, but many patients find it far easier to use and wear than traditional fixed braces due to the fact it is removable, meaning that food will not get trapped between brackets and wires. Your bespoke aligners are tailored to your smile and will fit snugly against your teeth. In the long term, having straighter teeth can prevent jaw pain and tooth erosion, as well as making your teeth easier to clean. 

If you are considering straightening your smile, contact us in Wigan for a free consultation. We’ll use a 3D scanner to create a full map of your teeth. You’ll be able to preview how your smile will look with Invisalign if you choose to go ahead.

Book your free consultation here

Frequently Asked Questions