Tips For Making Invisalign More Comfortable
Invisalign has become known for the various advantages it offers. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is lightweight, comfortable, and most of all virtually invisible! Clear aligners are made of smooth thermoplastic for maximum comfort and each set is worn for about two weeks until being replaced by the next set. However, when wearing a new set of aligners for the first time, some patients may experience slight discomfort or soreness until their mouth and teeth adjust. Here are some tips for making Invisalign more comfortable:
Emery board
It is common for Invisalign patients to receive a new set of aligners and experience slight discomfort in their tongue or cheek from an edge of their Invisalign aligners. To resolve this issue, we recommend using an emery board, which has a smooth side and a coarse side, similar to a nail file. An emery board may help with smoothing out the edges to make for a more comfortable fit.
Orthodontic wax
Orthodontic wax is a silicone wax that applies clear and is made for dental use. In addition to an emery board, applying orthodontic wax along the gum line helps reduce and prevent irritation in your gums, tongue, or lip. A small strip of wax is pushed up against the gums to prevent from irritation.
Canker-X
Canker-X is an ointment used to treat sores in the mouth and canker sores. This ointment contains benzocaine, which is a topical anesthetic that numbs the area of application. In addition, this also acts as a bandage to provide hours of relief and comfort.
Advil
A Fullerton orthodontist may prescribe medication for pain if necessary. However, over-the-counter pain relievers may be quite helpful in the first 12-24 hours of wearing your new set of aligners. When putting a set of aligners on for the first time, it may be beneficial to take a pain reliever and apply aligners before sleep to prevent against discomfort and soreness. This will provide 6-8 hours of adjustment time so when you wake up, your aligners should already have a more comfortable fit.
Biotene & XyliMelts
Invisalign may cause dry mouth in some patients. Especially those who do public speaking such as lectures, speeches, or business meetings. Biotene is a moisturizing mouth spray that lubricates the inside of your mouth for hours of additional comfort. XyliMelts are lozenges intended to coat, soothe, and moisturize the mouth throughout the day or night.
Finding Tips For Making Invisalign More Comfortable
Dr. Potter and our team at Potter Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic care. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Fullerton CA, Yorba Linda CA, Placentia CA, Brea CA, Anaheim Hills CA, La Habra CA, and Anaheim CA. Contact Potter Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. Call now (714) 526-3331.
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