Do Clear Aligners Hurt?

More people are choosing clear aligners to correct problems with their teeth because these aligners allow them to get much needed orthodontic treatment discreetly. However, there are a lot of people in need of orthodontic treatment that are hesitant to get treatment because they think wearing clear aligners will hurt. To put their minds at ease, we will discuss how the aligners work and if wearing them causes pain.

Do clear aligners cause pain?

One of the most common questions dentists get when it comes to clear aligners is whether or not they hurt. Unlike traditional braces, which are known to cause some pain, clear aligners are marketed as pain-free alternatives. However, that does not mean they do not hurt.

When it comes to straightening teeth, the teeth have to be moved from one position to another. Since the teeth have to be moved, there will be some pain associated with teeth straightening regardless of the orthodontic appliance used to achieve it.

So, to answer the question, clear aligners do hurt. However, they are less painful than traditional braces and the pain fades after the teeth get used to the aligners. There is some soreness that is caused by the aligners pressing against the teeth, and some pain from having the aligners in the mouth.

In some cases, people who use clear aligners complain about irritation. This is usually caused by the edges of the aligners irritating the gums and inner lips as the mouth gets used to them. After the first couple of weeks, the mouth will adjust to the aligners and will develop callouses to prevent further irritation.

By the time a patient is done with their first set of aligners, the mouth will be used to them and the patient should not be in any more pain. Even though the aligner will not cause any more pain or irritation once the mouth adjusts to them, the patient will still experience a little pain as the teeth gradually shift into their desired position because the aligners are designed to put pressure on the teeth to move them where they are supposed to be.

How to reduce the pain associated with clear aligners

For a lot of clear aligner users, the pain associated with them is bearable. For others, the pain might make them remove the aligners, which will affect their treatment. For those in the latter category, pain relief can be achieved with over the counter painkillers. If the pain is in the jaw, the dentist can prescribe a painkiller that is also a muscle relaxer, which should help keep the jaw muscles relaxed.

In some cases, the pain is caused by the edges of the aligners, if they are too rough or sharp. This can be fixed by taking the clear aligners to the dentist to get the edges smoothed out.

Conclusion

Clear aligners do a great job when it comes to straightening teeth and fixing bite problems. However, they might also cause some pain. If you are thinking of fixing your teeth with clear aligners, ask your dentist for more ways to deal with the pain associated with them.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sandstondds.com or call Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry at (804) 412-0878 for an appointment in our Sandston office.

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