One thing to consider with aligner treatment is managing the discomfort you may experience. Sure you want straight teeth and you want to improve the smile you have and feel confident in your appearance, but discomfort can often be the one thing that stops you from indulging in the treatment, and that is understandable. Treatments that are a long process such as clear Aligners, can mean that you have to endure occasional discomfort.
Anybody who tells you there is no discomfort isn’t being honest with you. There is always going to be some since you are moving and straightening your teeth. The process doesn’t involve ongoing and consistent discomfort however, and you will find there are ways to manage it effectively. With that in mind, here are some of the ways that you can deal with discomfort during aligner treatment.
Why get Aligners?
Many people want to have straight and beautiful teeth that result in a winning smile. It can often be the one thing that causes you to feel less confident in your appearance. However, not all of us will naturally have straight teeth and this is where you may need to intervene with clear Aligners. Whether you are a teenager or an adult you could consider this treatment.
How to deal with discomfort?
If you are struggling with discomfort, or feel that this is the one thing holding you back, then here are some of the ways that you can deal with pain during aligner treatment.
- Be smart about the food that you eat
It is all about making sacrifices to get the perfect smile and in some cases that might be your meal and food choices. It is always going to be a good idea to be smart with your choices. This means that you need to consider things such as oatmeal or yogurt, and soft meals such as soup. As time goes on, you will get used to some of the discomfort and will find that eating some of the normal things you once enjoyed bearable again. But for now, give your mouth a bit of a break by indulging in a soft food diet. It will all be worth it in the end
- Cold compresses can make a difference
There is no denying that cold can help when it comes to pain. Cold compresses applied around your jaw can give you a numbing feeling that can help ease the pain. Frozen Peas wrapped in fabric or an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel are some options. You may find that this is worse just after treatments and changes.
- Ice cold foods
We are back on to the topic of food and this time cold treats could help numb the pain you are feeling inside your mouth. Ice pops, ice cubes that you can gently suck on, can make your mouth numb and ease the discomfort of pain. Many people freeze fruit and then gently eat those. The coldness can numb any discomfort that you might be feeling.
- Making the switch when it is time for bed
When you get new Aligners as part of your treatment, this can often be the time where you feel the most pain. A great tip is to make the switch from your old set to your new set just before going to bed. The likelihood is that you will be asleep while experiencing the discomfort and it gives your mouth time to adjust without you having to feel it. Many people say that this is one of the best ways for you to get used to the new Aligners as your treatment progresses.
- Painkillers can give you short term relief
While you don’t have to rely on painkillers, acetaminophen can give you short-term relief on days when you are experiencing more pain than usual. This might be after treatments or due to changing your Aligners.
- A warm saline rinse
Getting yourself a glass of lukewarm water and adding a pinch of salt may sound very simple, but rinsing your mouth with it can give you the relief that you might need to relieve the pain that you are experiencing. You can do this up to six times a day and this can help not only to relieve pain but also ensure that your mouth stays clean and hygienic.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Another thing to do would be to ensure that you visit your dentist regularly. They can ensure that the aligner treatment is working as it should be and also advise if there is a cause for the pain you might be experiencing. Having the support of your dentist during your aligner treatment can help you to feel more confident in the process. He or she can also help you when it comes to extra advice on avoiding pain and is the discomfort that you might be experiencing.
Whether you are about to start on your clear aligner journey or looking to get more information on the process, hopefully, this piece has given you some comfort and assurance that there are ways to manage the discomfort and pain. The main thing to remember is that after the whole process and treatment is complete, it is going to be worth it. Let’s hope these tips help you with your clear aligner journey.
