How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Invisalign Aligners?
If you desire straighter, more beautiful teeth without the need for traditional metal braces, Invisalign® could be an excellent orthodontic alternative. Offered at our Philadelphia, PA dental practice, Invisalign shifts the teeth gradually over time using a series of removable clear aligner trays.
As with any orthodontic appliance, it could take time to become accustomed to your trays. How long does it take to adjust to Invisalign aligners? Dr. Bruce Wilderman answers that question and offers a few tips for speeding up the process.
About Invisalign Treatment
Once Dr. Wilderman determines you are eligible for treatment, impressions will be taken of your teeth. These will be delivered to our dental lab for the fabrication of your Invisalign trays.
Once we receive the trays from the lab, we will schedule you for an office visit. Dr. Wilderman will try on your first set of aligners and make sure they fit properly.
Your trays will be worn for at least 22 hours every day, and every two weeks, you will change out your current aligners for the next set. It is important that you wear your trays exactly as directed. Any deviation from the recommended treatment plan can hinder your final results.
Will My Invisalign Aligners Affect My Speech?
Because Invisalign trays are so thin, they are not likely to cause major speech issues. However, some patients may notice a slight lisp for the first couple of days while they adjust to the trays.
In most cases, this lisp is only apparent to the patient and is not noticeable by others. If you are concerned that your Invisalign aligners are affecting your speech, rest assured that this side effect is only temporary and should diminish within a few days.
Will My Invisalign Aligners Cause Discomfort?
Whenever the teeth are moved for any reason, some tenderness is to be expected. The same goes for Invisalign. However, discomfort is typically mild and generally only lasts for a couple of days after wearing a new set of aligners.
Tips for Reducing Discomfort during Invisalign Treatment
There are several things you can do to help reduce soreness during Invisalign treatment. We recommend that patients:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen, to manage any soreness.
- Apply a cold compress to the external jaw for 10 minutes two to three times a day, as needed.
- Remove your aligners and suck on an ice cube to soothe tenderness. Just be sure to place your trays back in your mouth when you are finished.
- Wait until bedtime to switch to a new set of aligners. This will allow you to sleep through the first few hours, when discomfort is most likely.
- Wear your trays as much as possible. Although it can be tempting to remove them if soreness occurs, leaving them out will only lengthen your treatment time.
Contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry Today
Are you considering Invisalign as an orthodontic alternative? If so, schedule an appointment at our practice to learn more. You can call our office at (215) 340-1199 or contact us online anytime.
