No, Invisalign is minimally invasive and patients say that they experience considerably low pain and the trays are designed to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Each time a new tray is fitted, you may experience some pressure, but this usually subsides in a few hours. The edge of the tray can sometimes be a bit sharp which could scratch your gums or cheeks, but this is easily fixed with a nail file.
What is Invisalign and Why Is It Popular?
Invisalign is a type of invisible braces, allowing you to wear trays for 6-18 months and finish your treatment with perfectly straight teeth. This form of orthodontics is incredibly popular.
Does Getting Invisalign Aligners Hurt?
No, getting Invisalign does not hurt at all. The process is very easy and painfree. You will have a set of photos of your teeth taken, with retractors that hold your lips and cheeks out the way. We will then carry out a scan of your teeth with our intraoral scanner which has six cameras on it and a light.
This takes an extremely detailed scan of your teeth which is sent to Invisalign with the photos. The photos and scan are input into the Invisalign portal, and using the Invisalign algorithm a computerised version of your teeth is created. Using this, a Clincheck is produced that will show the final result we will aim to achieve. This will show the number of aligners required and if any attachments or filing is needed.
Invisalign is designed to be minimally invasive and whilst it may take getting used to, is essentially pain-free
Does It Hurt When I Start My Invisalign Treatment?
No, it does not hurt when you start the treatment. When the attachments are fitted, the teeth need to be kept dry. No drilling is needed, instead we use a special air and powder to clean the surface of the teeth, to allow the attachment to stick and stay there until the end of the treatment. The filing, or interproximal reduction, is not painful, instead patients report it feeling uncomfortable and extremely tolerable.
Does Invisalign Hurt When My Trays Are Changed?
No, Invisalign does not hurt when the trays are changed, but you may experience a slight pressure on the teeth but this does not last long. Each time the tray is changed you may have a slight pressure on the teeth. The trays are usually changed every week, 10 days, or two weeks, depending on your individual treatment plan. Patients tell us after a few weeks they don’t notice any issues and the pressure feeling is exciting as it means the treatment is working and the teeth are moving!
What Should I Do If My Invisalign Braces Hurt?
The first thing to do is not to panic, if they hurt a little, it means they are doing what they are supposed to do. Give the aligners some time to settle and the pain should subside. You can always try taking some paracetamol if it is not tolerable. A soft diet should also help. If it is really painful, speak to your dentist about your concerns, and they should be able to check if this is normal.
