If you are straightening your teeth with clear aligners or have been considering them to correct a dental concern, you may have questions about what to do if you experience discomfort or irritation from wearing them. Unfortunately, some discomfort is possible as part of the clear aligner process, so we want to prepare you with information on how to treat it if it happens. When you visit your dentist in Palatine, IL, for clear aligners, please know that you can expect fabulous customer service if you have any questions or concerns.
Causes of Clear Aligner Discomfort
The purpose of wearing clear aligners is to gently move your teeth into a certain position. However, your aligners must exert force onto your teeth and jawbone to do so. So, when you change to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks, they might feel tight due to that orthodontic force.
The discomfort you may feel can come in the following forms:
- A sore jaw from a new set of aligners
- A change in your bite from a new set of aligners
- Tongue cuts from the edges of your aligners
Tips for Clear Aligner Discomfort
If you are experiencing discomfort from your clear aligners, here’s what you can do to feel better:
- Use an ice pack – An ice pack can help to numb the area that is bothering you.
- Drink cold water – If the ice pack isn’t enough, try drinking cold water with ice cubes to help numb the area that is causing discomfort.
- Avoid crunchy foods – Eating crunchy foods can increase the discomfort you may be experiencing.
- Place your aligner correctly – Make sure your clear aligners are on your teeth and appropriately placed to avoid discomfort.
- Wear your aligners as much as possible – You should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. If you don’t wear them as much as you should, your teeth will begin to shift, which can cause discomfort when you put them back in.
- Switch to a new set of aligners before bed – When it’s time for a new set of aligners, try putting them in before bed to give you time to adjust to them while you are asleep.
- Don’t switch to a new set of aligners early – Because your aligners are set up to be changed at certain times, switching early can cause pain or discomfort.
Do You Need a Mandarin Dentist in Palatine, IL?
If you want to learn more about clear aligners in Palatine, our professional dental staff is ready to take your call. We can set up a consultation to see if you are a candidate for clear aligners and get you on your way to a more beautiful smile. Please get in touch with our dental office at (847) 359-7520.