Oral Health Resources | 23 December, 2024

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign has become the go to option for those looking to straighten their teeth discreetly, but one of the main concerns for people is ‘Does Invisalign hurt?’. Although Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces, some discomfort can still occur. Find out more about the types of pain you might experience, the reasons behind it, and how to manage it effectively.

What Kind of Pain Can Invisalign Cause?

Invisalign aligners are smooth, clear, plastic trays that are designed to fit snug over your teeth. While they are much less restrictive than traditional braces some discomfort is possible particularly when you first begin wearing them or when you switch to a new set of aligners.

In the First Week

When you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners, your teeth may feel a bit uncomfortable as they begin to shift. This discomfort is normally a sign that the aligners are doing their job. The discomfort is usually more noticeable in the first few days after you get your new aligners or when you switch to a new set.

Pain in a Particular Tooth

Sometimes you may experience pain in a single tooth. This will normally happen when that tooth is moving more than others. It’s usually a temporary issue, lasting only as long as the tooth is shifting into place. If you have any concerns, we recommend getting in touch with your Invisalign dentist.

Jaw Pain and Clenching

Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure on your teeth which means some people may experience a bit of jaw discomfort or notice themselves clenching their teeth, particularly at night. If you're grinding or clenching your teeth while wearing your aligners, it could increase jaw discomfort.

Discomfort NOT Caused by Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are unlikely to cause pain or discomfort outside of the tooth and jaw pain mentioned above. If you're experiencing pain from irritation to your gums or mouth, it's not normally a result of the aligners themselves but it may be due to poor-fitting trays, aligners not being worn properly, or an issue unrelated to Invisalign. If you’re concerned or in pain, our Invisalign dentists are available to help and happy for you to book an appointment to discuss your concerns and help relieve any pain you may be experiencing.

Why Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into their correct position, using clear aligners that apply gentle and constant pressure. This can cause some discomfort as the bones in your jaw and gums adjust to accommodate the shifting teeth.

How Long Does Invisalign Pain Last?

Discomfort associated with Invisalign is usually temporary. The most noticeable pain tends to last about 1 to 2 days after getting new aligners or after you shift to a new set. After the first week or so, the discomfort will usually go away. It is common to experience some level of soreness after each aligner change throughout your treatment though.

If the pain lasts longer than a few days, or if it intensifies significantly, we recommend checking with your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to ensure that your aligners fit properly and that there’s no underlying issue.

Tips to Relieve Invisalign Pain

If you're experiencing discomfort with your Invisalign aligners, here are a few tips that might help:

  • Use Pain Relief. If the discomfort from your Invisalign aligners is bothering you, a simple over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease the soreness.
  • Switch Your Aligners at Night. Consider switching to your new aligners before bed rather than during the day. This way, you'll be asleep during the most uncomfortable period, which is normally during the first few hours of wearing a new set.
  • Cold Compress. Applying a cold compress to your jaw can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Eat Soft Foods. Stick to soft foods such as yoghurt, potatoes, or soup for the first few days after receiving new aligners to avoid extra pressure on your teeth. Avoid eating anything chewy or hard during this time.

When Should You Be Concerned About Invisalign Pain?

While some minor discomfort is expected with Invisalign, there are certain situations where pain may indicate a problem that requires attention from your dentist. You should consult your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t go away after a few days.

  • Mouth sores or gum irritation that doesn't resolve.

  • Difficulty wearing your Invisalign aligners due to extreme discomfort.

  • Loose or ill-fitting aligners, which may be causing additional pressure or pain on your teeth.

In these cases your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist can help determine if your treatment plan needs adjustment or if there’s an issue with the fit of your aligners.

 Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Hurts More?

If you’re deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, one of the key factors you may be considering is the level of discomfort. Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces for a number of reasons:

  • No brackets or wires. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires which can irritate your gums and your cheeks, Invisalign uses smooth plastic aligners that go over your teeth.

  • Less frequent adjustments. Braces require more frequent tightening for them to work effectively which can cause quite a bit of discomfort. When it comes to Invisalign, discomfort is mostly related to shifting of your teeth rather than adjustments which are less frequent.

  • Discreet and gentle pressure. Invisalign applies consistent, gentle pressure, whereas braces may cause more immediate discomfort with each adjustment of the wires.

Why Choose Lumino for Invisalign?

Lumino Are Industry Leaders

As the largest dental group in New Zealand, we’re proud to have more Diamond Invisalign-certified providers than any other dentist group in the country. We have practices offering Invisalign all over New Zealand.

Lumino Dentists Have History

Our Invisalign dentists have been transforming the smiles of thousands of New Zealanders for over 20 years.

Our Dentists Are Experienced

Many of our dentists and specialists nationwide are trained in Invisalign. In fact, we have dentists who are Clinical Speakers for Invisalign, sharing their expertise and insights with hundreds of professionals across New Zealand and Australia.

We’ve Got Credibility

At Lumino, we’ve earned the trust of our patients through years of exceptional care and results. Our skilled team, trained in the latest Invisalign techniques are committed to understanding your unique needs and providing personalised treatment. With a strong reputation and a focus on your well-being, you can count on us for reliable, specialist care.

Ready to get started? Find an Invisalign dentist near you and book your consultation today.

FAQs About Invisalign Pain

The most uncomfortable stage of Invisalign is when you first start Invisalign or when you switch to a new set of aligners. The pressure on your teeth is the strongest during these transitions as your teeth begin to shift.

To deal with Invisalign pain we recommend using over-the-counter pain relief, cold compresses, and sticking to soft foods for the first few days after switching aligners. Wearing aligners at night can also reduce discomfort by allowing you to sleep through the most painful time.

You can relieve pain caused by Invisalign aligners by applying ice packs on your jaw, and taking pain relievers like ibuprofen. Keeping your aligners in for the instructed time will also help reduce discomfort.

Invisalign is very effective for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crowding, gaps, and overbites. The effectiveness depends on wearing your Invisalign aligners as instructed, typically 22 hours per day.

Most discomfort only lasts 1 to 2 days after switching aligners. If the pain persists longer than a few days, we recommend contacting your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to ensure your aligners fit properly.

Invisalign is usually less painful than traditional braces because the aligners are smooth and don’t have wires or brackets that can irritate your gums

Biting down directly on your aligners can potentially damage them or cause discomfort so it’s best to avoid biting forcefully while wearing them.