
If you are getting clear aligners, you might be wondering what you can do to avoid the pain. Remember that any time your mouth is adjusted, there can be discomfort and pain. This is even more the case at the beginning of the treatment. However, this is usually a temporary discomfort. The good news is that there are some things you can do to reduce the pain.
Follow the schedule
The dentist has planned out the timing of the aligners to balance the amount of discomfort with the treatment. This means that patients need to get the new aligners when the dentist instructs them. This should not happen later or before the schedule. It is also a good idea to put in a new set of clear aligners before bed. The patient will be sleeping through the first several hours. This is often the most uncomfortable part of the treatment.
Use pain relievers
Many patients find that using an over-the-counter pain reliever can help with the pain. The pain is usually a tenderness or soreness. This happens most often when putting the trays in or out. But simple pain relievers can minimize the discomfort. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose. But if the pain does not go away, it is vital to speak to the dentist.
If there is a lot of sensitivity, it might not be because of the trays. It could be a sign of another issue, such as an inflammation in the tooth. This is called pulpitis. It is not necessarily caused by the trays. But tooth movement can cause inflammation in the tooth. A root canal might be needed.
Caring for the mouth
If there are sharp edges, these should be reported. The aligners need to have precision for cutting them. Most have no issues, but some of them might have a rough or sharp edge. That can irritate the mouth. The dentist can fix this issue by smoothing out the aligner and giving the patient dental wax.
The mouth should be exercised through regular chewing. The more that the patient uses the mouth, the faster the teeth will move. It is important to use the teeth when the aligners are out. Patients can start with softer foods.
Avoid trying to fix issues at home
It is not a good idea to try to fix issues at home. It takes some complicated software to determine the right trajectories for the teeth. Then the trays need to be created at a lab. It is not likely that the patient can treat the teeth at home. If the teeth are crooked, it is a good idea to talk to an orthodontist.
Consider getting clear aligners
As with any type of teeth-straightening option, it is vital to plan ahead. Your dentist can help to guide you to a successful treatment. If you choose clear aligners, the dentist will give you tips on how to avoid pain from them. Making an appointment with your dentist can help you decide if this is the right option for you.
Request an appointment here: https://a1care.org or call Judy Mejido DMD PA at (305) 434-4804 for an appointment in our Miami office.
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