Does Invisalign Hurt? Here’s What to Expect
You’re finally ready to straighten your smile!
By choosing Invisalign, you can expect impressive results.
Even though Invisalign is a simple process, you may have a few questions!
We often hear patients ask:
Does Invisalign hurt?
We’re going to break down everything you need to you.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How Invisalign works
- If Invisalign hurts
- How to make treatment comfortable
Are you a candidate for Invisalign?
First things first, you’ll need to see your dentist for a consultation to be sure that you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Most people who are simply seeking a straighter smile will qualify for Invisalign.
However, if you have eroded or misshapen teeth, then Invisalign might not be the best fit for you.
Talking with your dentist will clarify what your next steps are!
How Invisalign works
Here’s a preview of how Invisalign works at Bond Family Dentistry:
One of the main bonuses of the Invisalign process is no unpleasant liquid impressions.
Instead:
Your dentist will use an iTero Element scanner to take a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth.
This digital impression is used to:
- Show you a preview of what your smile will look like after treatment
- Map out your treatment plan
- Create your custom aligners
After your first fitting, your dentist will guide you through the process of switching out aligners. Typically, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks and wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day.
You’ll come into our office for a checkup every four to six weeks. This is less often than braces, saving you time and money!
For adults, the average treatment time with Invisalign is around 12 months.
Once your treatment is complete, we’ll provide you with a retainer to keep your smile straight for life.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Short answer:
No, Invisalign doesn’t hurt. It’s not known for being a painful process because it’s meticulously customized.
Invisalign aligners use material specifically engineered … This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign website… for comfort.
Once your tray is built, it’s trimmed to fit comfortably and securely.
Invisalign aligners won’t poke you or slide off.
If you’re thinking that wearing an aligner will be similar to a sports mouthguard, you can rest assured that this customized process will be nothing like that!
Now, what about soreness?
When you wear your clear aligner, the tray is working its magic to straighten your teeth. Over time, your smile will shift into place.
As your teeth are shifting, you may feel a bit of soreness or tenderness.
Soreness is actually a sign your Invisalign treatment is working!
Your smile is moving in the right direction.
To treat soreness, you can use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol. You won’t need anything stronger than that. Applying a heat pack to your jaw may also help relieve tenderness.
Keep in mind:
Any discomfort should quickly subside as your teeth adjust, taking one to three days on average. Complying with wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day will speed up the process too.
Pro Invisalign tip:
Switch to new sets of aligners at night! That way, you sleep through the initial adjustment phase.
Why choose Bond Family Dentistry?
If you’re ready to straighten your smile and show off gorgeous results, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Megan are here to help.
They’re a husband-and-wife team, as well as Snohomish natives!
When you visit Bond Family Dentistry for an Invisalign consultation, we’re genuinely excited to get to know you.
We believe in patient education. You’ll never be left in the dark about your treatment.
If you have questions about the Invisalign process, we’re more than happy to answer them.
Book your Invisalign consultation today!
Or you can:
- Call us at (425) 258-2633
- Email us at appointments@everettdentist.com
Bond Family Dentistry is located in Everett, WA… This text opens a new tab to our office on Google… and serves surrounding communities including Mukilteo, Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Lynnwood, and the Greater Snohomish County.