Clear aligners are ideal for individuals who are looking to straighten their teeth. And, many people say that the aligners are quite painless. However, you may experience some painful situations. Keep reading to learn about a few and how you can deal with them.

Sensitive And Sore Teeth

Your teeth may be a bit sensitive and sore when you start using the aligners. This is normal, but it is not typical to feel a great deal of sensitivity coming from one or two teeth when your teeth are shifted around. If you feel sharp pains, aching sensations that last for hours, or radiating discomfort when you eat hot and cold foods, then you may have a tooth inflammation issue.

Dental inflammation, called pulpitis, is something that occurs when the dental pulp is infected or injured enough to cause swelling. The swelling can subside for long periods of time, and the movement of the tooth can result in a flare-up.

You may notice the painful sensations whenever one or two teeth are moved and the pain may subside after a day or two. If this is what seems to be occurring, then speak to your dental professional about using NSAID pain relievers and topical anesthetics on the tooth.

If the pain is extremely bothersome, then a root canal may need to be completed on the tooth or teeth before you continue with the tooth straightening process. This will depend on the condition of your tooth, your ability to withstand the discomfort, and how close you are to finishing the invisalign process.

Sore Jaw

Your jaw will likely be quite sore when you change aligners. While many people state that the pain is manageable, others may not feel the same way. If you are experiencing more pain than usual, then speak with your dental professional about extending the wear period from two weeks to three weeks. This will give your jaw the chance to rest a bit before your teeth are shifted again.

A sore jaw can also be assisted by using your mouth to chew and bite food. So, do not stop eating and do not avoid hard and chewy foods.

Also, if the scheduled switch of your aligners is keeping you from sleeping at night, then the lack of sleep can actually exacerbate the pain sensations. So, try switching the aligners in the morning instead of the evening.

If you want to know more about clear aligners and how you can keep pain and soreness to a minimum, speak with an orthodontist.