It would be so easy for us to tell a little white lie and claim that clear aligners never hurt. However, at smilogy, we pride ourselves on being open and honest with you, our customers.
So here it is. Yes, sometimes, aligners are a little uncomfortable (or even painful). Luckily, most aligner discomfort is easily sorted out and only lasts for a day or two, max.
The mild, temporary nature of aligner discomfort means that clear aligners are still a much less painful choice than braces. They’re generally comfortable and SO easy to wear, but let’s assess why some days may be harder than others...
Why Do Clear Aligners Hurt Sometimes?
Put quite simply, they are just doing their job. While not everyone with clear aligners experiences discomfort, it can be a sign that they’re moving your teeth into a better position. Thankfully, this is done over 6-18 months, so you normally won’t notice.
Like a lot of things that are worth doing, such as going to the gym, a little discomfort just makes the results more worth it. They say no pain, no gain - and while this isn’t true for everyone, it can be reassuring if it’s the case for you!
Don’t worry, this isn’t usually a constant feeling. The first couple of nights after a fresh set aligners are usually the worst, especially on your very first set! Taking them out and putting them back in can also sometimes be a bit annoying, especially on those new sets which are tighter.
What Kind Of Discomfort Might I Experience?
During your first week of treatment, after each aligner change, after grinding, or after a period of slipping up with wearing your aligners properly, you may experience aches in:
- One or more teeth
- Your jaw
- Your mouth muscles
- Your tongue
Everyone’s clear aligner journey is different, which means that some teeth may hurt more than others. It’s common for some people to grind their teeth while wearing aligners, which is why they may experience soreness in their jaw.
Clear aligners are generally smooth, sometimes you’ll find little sharp bits or bumps. When this happens, ulcers can occur.
Once your jaw relaxes into it’s brand new position, any discomfort tends to melt away. The only times for concern may be if you get nerve pain, unexplained bleeding or burning, or new teeth sensitivity. In these cases, contact smilogy for a check-up.
How Can I Avoid Pain Or Discomfort?
Quite often, time is the real healer and life gets easier as your clear aligners settle. In most cases, you can ignore the feeling and get on with things.
In the meantime, make sure you’re being fully compliant, which means wearing your clear aligners for the recommended 20+ hours per day. This helps to make the process ultimately more comfortable. Yes, it won’t feel that way at first, but trust us!
Here are some useful tips:
- Use your chewies. They set your aligners in place, but they’re also soothing
- Stay on schedule. Set reminders so you change aligner sets on the right day
- Put in your new aligners at night, so you can sleep through the initial peak discomfort
- Feel your aligners before putting them in and file down any sticky-out bits
- Avoid chewing tough food while they’re removed (you don’t need the extra workout)
- Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
- Try not to grind your teeth
- Use an ice pack or heat pack if discomfort reaches your jaw
- Gently file down any sharp or raised bits on your aligners (or use dental wax)
- Do a salt water rinse if you have ulcers or try over-the-counter gels
- Floss regularly to avoid bleeding and additional pain
Each tray will get easier, so most of all, stick with it!
Please feel free to contact smilogy if something doesn’t feel quite right and you want us to monitor. Remember, you can check in online!
You Got This! Check Your Suitability Now
Remember, the procedure is worth it - slight discomfort with moving your teeth means you’re one step closer to the smile you want.
Take our suitability quiz to see if smilogy clear aligners are the right fit for you!