One of the benefits of wearing clear aligners is they are not as uncomfortable as traditional braces. Their smooth surface and snug fit prevent soft oral tissues from being harmed by protruding brackets and wires. Unfortunately, though, minor aches can occur even while undergoing a more subtle form of orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure how to deal with the discomfort caused by your clear aligners, keep reading.
Tip #1: Consume a Soft Food Diet
After initially receiving your clear aligners, as well as each time you swap them out for a new set, you’ll want to stick to a soft food diet for a few days. The reason is that your teeth are moving, which will cause some achiness and soreness.
Eating hard, dense, crunchy, or chewy foods can place additional pressure on your teeth, resulting in increased discomfort. However, by opting for softer foods, like yogurt, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or soup, you can avoid further pain and give your mouth the time it needs to heal.
Tip #2: Reach for Cold Items
Jaw pain and soreness are common with clear aligner treatment, so to achieve temporary relief, try using a cold compress or drinking cold water. Although you’re required to remove your trays before eating or drinking, water is the only thing you can consume while wearing your aligners.
Relying on these cooler methods will deliver a soothing effect that you cannot get with anything else. Just don’t bite down or chew on ice, as this will not only damage your teeth (and aligners if you don’t take them out) but also cause additional pain.
Tip #3: Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If the methods previously listed are not enough, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. When used as directed, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be ideal when you need something to help target the discomfort.
By reducing inflammation and easing pain, you can enjoy your aligner treatment more thoroughly. However, be mindful of how often you lean on these medicines for help. You may need to see your orthodontist if the discomfort is not easing up after a few days.
Don’t let discomfort during clear aligner treatment keep you down. Using these methods will help you manage the pain and get back to enjoying the process of achieving a straighter smile.
About the Author
As an orthodontist in Naperville who cares about patients’ smiles, Dr. Nicole Grathwol completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University. After earning a Master of Science in Dentistry and an orthodontic certificate from Case Western Reserve University, she and her husband, Dr. Cory, started G&G Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
When treating patients with clear aligners, she is ready to provide helpful tips to manage discomfort throughout the process. If you want to know what you can do to address this kind of soreness and achiness, contact us at (630) 778-9500 or visit our website.
