Invisalign has become known for its many advantages. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is comfortable, durable, and, most importantly, virtually invisible! Clear aligners are composed of smooth thermoplastic, known as SmartTrack material, to provide maximum comfort. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks until they are replaced by the next set in the series. However, when wearing a new set of aligners for the first time, some patients may experience slight discomfort or soreness until their mouth and teeth adjust. Here are some tips on how to make Invisalign more comfortable:

Emery board

It is common for Invisalign patients to receive a new set of aligners and experience slight discomfort in their tongue or cheek from an edge of their Invisalign aligners. To resolve this issue, a Middletown orthodontist recommends using an emery board, which has a smooth side and a coarse side, similar to a nail file. An emery board may help with smoothing out the edges to make for a more comfortable fit.

Orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax is a clear, silicone wax made for dental use. In addition to an emery board, you can also help reduce or prevent irritation in your gums, tongue, or lip by applying orthodontic wax along the gum line where the aligner edges are located. A small strip of wax pushes up flat against the gums to prevent the Invisalign aligners from rubbing and irritation.

Canker-X

Canker-X is an ointment used to treat sores in the mouth and canker sores. This ointment contains benzocaine, which is a topical anaesthetic that will help numb the area of application. In addition, this also acts as a bandage that sticks to gums or lips and can help provide hours of relief and comfort.

Advil

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be quite helpful in the first 12-24 hours of wearing your new set of aligners. When putting a set of aligners on for the first time, taking a pain reliever and applying aligners before sleep may be beneficial to prevent discomfort and soreness. This will provide 6-8 hours of adjustment time, so when you wake up, your aligners should already have a more comfortable fit.

Biotene & XyliMelts

Invisalign may cause dry mouth in some patients, especially those who do public speaking, such as lectures, speeches, or business meetings. Biotene is a moisturizing mouth spray that helps fight against dry mouth by lubricating the inside of your mouth for hours of additional comfort. XyliMelts are lozenges that rest in between your cheek and gums in order to coat, soothe, and moisturize the mouth throughout the workday or during a night’s sleep.

Finding Out How To Make Invisalign More Comfortable

Our team at Bracesetters Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic care. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Middletown NY, Monroe NY, Newburgh NY, Monticello NY, and the surrounding areas of Orange County, NY, Dutchess County, NY, and Sullivan County, NY. Contact Bracesetters Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. Call now (845) 342-1300.