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What to Expect for Your First Day of Invisalign

Wondering what to expect during your first day of Invisalign®? Our experienced dentist, Dr. Zicchino, is here to answer all your questions!  You know about how the Invisalign® treatment works and you have all of the instructions that you need, but what exactly can you expect from the experience? What else do you need to know about your first few days with Invisalign®? Continue reading to learn more about your first day of using Invisalign® Clear Aligners so you know what to expect.

What to Expect During Your First Day of Invisalign® 

You’ve been waiting to straighten your smile for a long time and you’re eager to see the results! When the treatment is over, you will finally have the smile that you always wanted, but there are a few things you should know about what to expect when you get your first set of Invisalign® aligners. 

Temporary Lisp

When you begin your Invisalign® treatment, it isn’t unlikely to begin speaking with a slight lisp. Before you begin worrying about talking like this the entire treatment, remember that it is just a result of your tongue getting used to the aligners in your mouth. This usually goes away after approximately a week.

Irritation of Soft Tissues

When you first get Invisalign®, the soft tissues in your mouth won’t be used to the edges of your aligners quite yet. You will likely experience some irritation on your gums or the inside of your lips.  This should go away after you get accustomed to wearing the aligners over time. You could also use some dental wax or a clean emery board to fix issues with sharp edges at home.  If you are experiencing extreme discomfort or this does not improve, call your dentist. They will likely be able to trim or polish the edges in order to make the aligners more comfortable.

Soreness

No teeth straightening option comes without soreness. Even though Invisalign® aligners won’t be as uncomfortable as regular braces, you are still bound to experience some discomfort associated with the pressure being put on your teeth to move them to their new locations.  This pain should subside after a few days. If you need to relieve the soreness, you can take over-the-counter pain medication.

Difficulty Inserting & Removing Invisalign® Aligners

Invisalign® aligners are designed to fit your teeth perfectly and tightly. This means that it can be difficult to remove when you need to eat, drink, or brush your teeth.  Even though your dentist will show you how it’s done, it can still be difficult to get the hang of it. When removing your aligners, use your fingertips to slowly pull the aligners off your teeth, starting from your molars and working your way towards the front of your mouth.  As time goes on, especially at the end of each two-week wear period, removing your aligners should get easier.  The first few days may not be the most comfortable and even feel a bit awkward. However, after a little bit of time you will easily be able to adjust to the aligners. With patience, you will be on a path towards a straighter smile!

How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Invisalign®? 

It takes most dental patients anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get used to wearing Invisalign® aligners around the clock. The soreness and feeling you have when you put in your first set of aligners will gradually disappear as your teeth shift into their proper places.  With each new aligner, you may experience some slight discomfort as your teeth slowly shift. 

How Long Does Invisalign® Hurt? 

While Invisalign® doesn’t hurt as much as braces do, you will still experience some discomfort when you first start wearing your aligners. The good news is that this discomfort usually subsides within a week! So you can expect the worst of it to be over after your first week. 

Need Invisalign® Treatment in Point Pleasant, NJ? 

We can help you obtain the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of! If you’re interested in finding out if Invisalign® is right for you, book a visit or give us a call today at (732) 714-1030! 

About the Author

Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information call (732) 714-1030 or to schedule an appointment!