Invisalign aligners are carefully designed to shift your teeth into the proper position. Each new set is molded to reflect where your teeth should be after a few weeks of wear, not where they are now. Because of this, it’s completely normal to feel some discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new aligner. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ease the transition and make your Invisalign journey as smooth as possible.
When You Start a New Aligner
The first 48 hours with a new aligner are crucial. Here’s how to get through them with minimal discomfort:
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Wear them as much as possible, especially during the first 48 hours. This helps your teeth adjust more quickly and effectively.
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Pop in your new aligners before bed. That way, you’ll sleep through much of the initial discomfort.
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers in moderation to ease pressure or soreness.
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Suck on ice cubes (only when your aligners are out!) to reduce inflammation.
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Apply cold compresses to your cheeks to soothe aching areas.
Other Early Side Effects and How to Handle Them
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Increased saliva production is common during the first few days. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of dry mouth. If the extra saliva bothers you at night, try sleeping on your back or with your head propped up—this usually resolves quickly.
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A slight lisp may occur when you first start speaking with aligners. Don’t worry—it goes away! Practice talking, or even saying tongue twisters, to help speed up the adjustment.
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Kissing concerns? Don’t stress. People have been kissing with braces for decades. Most partners won’t notice your aligners at all.
Removing and Caring for Aligners
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Removing your aligners might take some practice, especially if you have attachments or “buttons” on your teeth. A handy tool called the Outie (available on Amazon) can make removal easier.
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If the aligner feels rough in any spots, use dental wax to prevent irritation. You can also ask your dentist to file down the rough edges if needed.
Oral Hygiene Tips While Using Invisalign
Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever during treatment. Bacteria and plaque can get trapped under aligners and cause issues if you’re not careful.
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Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Hot liquids can warp them, and colored beverages may stain them.
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Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent sugar and stains from being trapped under the aligner.
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Brush and floss after every meal. If that’s not possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly with antibacterial mouthwash and warm water.
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Avoid chewing gum while wearing aligners, as it can damage them.
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Skip whitening treatments during your Invisalign journey. While whitening toothpaste is okay, strips or gels may leave behind particles that bind to your teeth under the aligners and create permanent white spots.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Your aligners need love, too! Here’s how to keep them looking and smelling fresh:
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Always rinse and soak your aligners when they’re not in your mouth. Don’t leave them exposed to air.
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Use denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or Invisalign cleaning crystals mixed with water for a deep clean.
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Clean with clear antibacterial soap and cool water. Avoid colored soaps—they can tint your aligners.
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If brushing your aligners, use a very soft toothbrush and a light touch to avoid scratching the plastic.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Eye on the Smile
Invisalign takes some getting used to, but the habits you build now will benefit your dental health for life. The discipline of oral hygiene, the patience through minor discomfort—it’s all leading to one amazing reward: a confident, healthy smile.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.