Invisalign Tray Discomfort
Invisalign is quickly becoming the number one choice for dentists and patients who want to straighten their teeth without using traditional braces. It uses a series of custom plastic molds to gradually move teeth over time. However, some people experience discomfort when first wearing Invisalign trays because they are not used to having something applying pressure to the teeth and gums for extended periods of time.
Here are some tips from Tribeca Dental Care, an Invisalign dentist in New York City, for those experiencing discomfort:
Don’t Give Up
In order for Invisalign to work properly, the patient needs to wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day. The constant pressure applied to the teeth is what causes them to shift a little at a time. Taking the trays out will delay the process and can undo any progress you have already made. Try to keep yourself busy and try not to think about your teeth. Remember, if you give up now, it will take much longer and probably cost more to get your teeth straightened.
Keep Teeth Clean
You should be removing your aligners whenever you eat or drink during the day, and cleaning your teeth before you put them back in. If not, you are allowing food and bacteria to build up on your teeth which may cause problems. There is also potential for gum disease to occur as teeth are shifted and bacteria can get to vulnerable tissue. If you start to experience tooth or gum pain with your aligners, make sure you consult your Invisalign dentist in NYC to ensure that you do not have any other complications.
Use the Proper Tools
Since Invisalign is designed to apply uniform pressure to your teeth to make them move, it is possible that your retainers and trays will not feel like a perfect fit. After all, if they go right on without pressure, they aren’t going to help your teeth at all. Fortunately, there are soft gauze-like “chewies” which allow you to put your aligners in and bite down to force them into place. This ensures that your aligners are properly seated all the way around your mouth, even in the farthest back areas. Of course, now that you have your aligners in place, it can be difficult to remove them when it’s time to eat. There is a small hook tool you can use to pop them off from the bottom to relieve the pressure.
Tribeca Dental Care
Invisalign is a great choice for adults who want a straighter smile, but don’t want to wear metal braces. Tribeca Dental Care in New York City provides cosmetic dentistry services to people of all ages. For more information about getting a straighter smile with clear braces, call today or visit us online to schedule a consultation. We are happy to answer any questions about the Invisalign process and help you with concerns about comfort and fittings.