Is Invisalign Painful?
If you have misalignments in your smile, you’ve probably looked into the potential treatments to fix the issues. Smile misalignments are a common problem in the U.S., with a 2020 article by Scientific American reporting that around 90% of American adults have at least slightly misaligned teeth. Luckily, there are both Invisalign and traditional braces as potential solutions for misaligned teeth. Braces are a bit notorious for being painful, but what about the more modern Invisalign?
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a smile straightening treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays to gradually move the teeth into the proper position. Invisalign is extremely popular, boasting over 18 million patients and counting. Instead of traditional bulky metal braces which are highly visible, Invisalign is nearly undetectable, preventing the embarrassment that is common with metal braces.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Some patients do report mild to moderate pain when they first insert an Invisalign tray, especially the first couple of trays. On the other hand, some patients report no pain at all. The pain a patient may experience during the Invisalign treatment depends on several factors that vary greatly from person to person, making it impossible to predict which patients will have pain and which will not. However, most patients report tenderness and discomfort at the beginning of treatment as their gums adjust to the friction from the aligner trays. Once the gum tissue has toughened up, this discomfort subsides. For patients who experience pain when they transition to a new aligner tray, almost all report that it goes away within a few days.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can be taken for any pain or discomfort from the Invisalign treatment. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common recommendations, but you should consult with both your dentist and primary care physician before starting any new medication, especially if you are already taking other medications or have existing health conditions.
When to Call the Dentist
While minor pain and discomfort are considered normal, especially at the beginning of Invisalign treatment, severe pain should not occur. If you are experiencing intolerable pain, especially after taking OTC pain medication, reach out to your dentist. Some patients may need to try a different pain reliever or combination of pain relievers. No matter what the cause, severe pain always warrants a phone call to your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
The length of the Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of the misalignments being treated and the compliance of the patient, but most patients achieve a straight smile in just 12-18 months.
Is Invisalign® covered by insurance?
Invisalign is covered by some, but not all, dental insurance policies. You’ll need to check with your insurance agent, plan administrator, or HR representative (if you get your insurance through your employer) to find out exactly what your plan covers.
Invisalign® for the Entire Family in Nassau County
Invisalign is an amazing treatment that gives patients the straight smile they’ve been dreaming of in a discreet and effective way. For families in Nassau County, Elite Family Dental Care is here to provide you with high-quality Invisalign treatment in a welcoming and professional environment. Schedule an Invisalign consultation today by calling us at 516-608-0001 or by requesting an appointment online.
