What Does Invisalign® Treatment Feel Like?

Woman with beautiful smile holding up an Invisalign clear aligner in Boulder, CO If you’re thinking about trying Invisalign® to straighten your teeth, you might wonder what the treatment feels like. While the smooth, plastic aligners are made for comfort and convenience, you may still feel some new sensations with treatment that take some getting used to. Here’s what you can expect during your journey to a straighter smile.

At Adler Advanced Dentistry in Boulder, CO, Dr. Michael Adler is an Invisalign Preferred Provider, a designation awarded to dentists with significant experience and expertise in performing Invisalign treatments. Having completed advanced Invisalign training and consistently meeting the annual case requirements, Dr. Adler has successfully handled hundreds of Invisalign cases, ensuring you receive top-quality care and exceptional results.

The Initial Fitting: Getting Used to Your Aligners

You’ll notice a snug fit when you first receive your Invisalign aligners. The aligners are custom-made to shift your teeth into their new positions gently. Initially, you might feel pressure as the aligners start working, but this is normal and is a sign that they are doing their job.

Most patients describe the pressure as mild and easily manageable. This feeling typically fades after the first few days as your teeth adjust to the aligners.

You may also notice a slight lisp when you speak, but this usually goes away within a few days as your tongue adjusts to the aligners.

Daily Wear: What to Expect

You must wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, removing them to eat or drink anything besides water. They’re made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, so they won’t irritate your mouth like traditional metal braces might. In addition to continuous wear, your main concern is keeping the aligners clean and clear.

Changing Aligners: Mild Discomfort with Each New Set

You’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. With each new set, you may experience a similar feeling of pressure or tightness as your teeth continue to move. Again, this is a sign that the treatment is working, and any discomfort should subside after a day or two.

Managing Discomfort: Tips for Relief

To manage the discomfort when switching to a new aligner, you can:

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate soreness.
  • Try wearing each new set of aligners at night, allowing your mouth to adjust while you sleep.

If the discomfort persists or becomes bothersome, contact your dentist for personalized advice on alleviating the pain. Remember, any discomfort is typically temporary and a sign that your treatment is progressing effectively.

Get Started on Your Straighter Smile with Invisalign in Boulder, CO

If you have questions about what to expect during Invisalign treatment or want to schedule a consultation, call us today at 303-449-1119. While there may be a brief adjustment period, the overall experience is generally smooth and manageable. The sensations you experience during Invisalign treatment are minor and well worth it for the beautiful, straight smile you’ll have.

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