What does Invisalign feel like?
Your goal: A healthier smile — and straighter teeth. But, you also want to know the option you choose for orthodontic treatment will be comfortable to wear. After all, you are looking at investing the next one to two years of your life here, so this is an important point to consider.
Our team of dentists at North Burnaby Dental Group can easily address your concerns. Many patients who have used Invisalign say that while they felt slight pressure or discomfort when they first began to wear their aligners, this sensation gradually vanished over time until they did not notice it anymore.
If you remember the last time you wore new dress shoes, it likely took some time for you to get used to how they felt on your feet. As you continued to wear them, they gradually grew more comfortable. You'll find that Invisalign aligners will be much the same in your mouth. Though you may feel some discomfort with the aligners for the first while, you should start to get used to wearing them until how they feel no longer bothers you.
Will it take long to get used to wearing my aligners?
When you attend your Invisalign consultation at your dentist's office, they will check your teeth to determine the duration of your treatment, in addition to how much pressure your aligners will need to apply so your teeth can move into their corrected positions.
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you end up choosing, some amount of pressure will need to be applied to your teeth. While this pressure may cause some discomfort when you begin your treatment (and potentially for the first few days after you change to a new set of aligners) your 'adjustment period' will soon end. Remember to be patient with yourself and your aligners and to allow yourself time to adapt to the feeling.
The discomfort should gradually subside once you have been wearing your new aligners for a few days, until your next set of aligners go in.
Unlike braces, you won't have any metal wires or brackets to deal with when it comes to your Invisalign aligners. These brackets and wires can often rub against the soft tissues in your mouth. However, remember your mouth may still feel irritated when first start your treatment.
If you are feeling some discomfort inside your mouth due to this irritation, try to be patient — after a while, your cheeks and gums will adjust and toughen up. Your aligners will then start to feel more comfortable.