Do Invisalign Braces Hurt?

Hi Jen,

It’s fairly common for patients to ask do Invisalign braces hurt. And for us to hear complaints about how uncomfortable or painful it is for patients to wear traditional orthodontics. With metal appliances like wires, brackets and springs, the rough edges can poke your cheeks and lips.

Thankfully you won’t have this problem with Invisalign braces.

Does Invisalign Hurt More than Braces?
Patients also wonder does invisalign hurt more than braces. Since traditional braces use wires and brackets to straighten teeth, this rough metal, combined with frequent adjustments can cause a lot discomfort for patients.

You will also have to come into the office every 4 to 6 weeks to have your braces “tightened”. This forceful movement of your teeth in a rapid manner can create significant discomfort that can last for a few days.

Instead of having to adjust your braces every 4 to 6 weeks, Invisalign trays move your teeth every two weeks. Movement is much more gradual and gentler on your teeth. Although there’s some slight pressure with Invisalign, it’s nothing like the discomfort or pain you will feel from wearing traditional braces.
How Long Will Invisalign Hurt?
Another concern that patients have is how long will invisalign hurt. You will feel slight pressure when you put on your aligner for the first time. This mild pressure is what moves your teeth – instead of using springs, rubber bands or wires. It’s a more gradual movement process, which makes it more comfortable. Invisalign braces are about as “pain free” as you can get when it comes to straightening your teeth.
Does Invisalign Hurt Your Gums?
Sensitivity is a common dental problem, so patients also ask does invisalign hurt your gums. Every Invisalign tray is custom formed to your individual mouth. That means there are no rough metal brackets or wires sticking out to rub against your gums, lips or cheeks.

From time to time, I may need to smooth off the plastic edges of your aligner to prevent any irritation, but it is fairly easy to do. The slight roughness that you might feel is nothing compared to the poking sensation of metal orthodontic appliances. Invisalign is known for being the most comfortable braces option available in modern orthodontics.

I wouldn’t want anything less for my patients.
Do Invisalign Braces Hurt the First Day?
That brings me to do invisalign braces hurt the first day. The very first time that you wear Invisalign braces, you will notice mild pressure against your teeth. It is this pressure that is moving your teeth into straighter alignment.

Because the pressure is very mild, you should not expect any discomfort or pain. By changing out the aligners every two weeks, you experience milder pressure instead of having regular braces tightened once a month.

If for some reason you find the aligner uncomfortable, you can take an over the counter pain reliever on the first day. However, most of my patients tell me that the Invisalign braces do not hurt whatsoever.
Conclusion:
Since you have sensitive teeth Jen, I recommend choosing Invisalign because they are custom fitted for the gentlest experience. Invisalign is the most comfortable way to straighten your teeth. Much more comfortable to wear than metal braces, especially because no adjustment appointments are necessary.

Traditional braces involve “adjustments” that move teeth in a rapid manner. This can create significant discomfort. Invisalign trays move your teeth gently overtime. There is little discomfort.

The customized design of each Invisalign tray means that they won’t hurt your gums, cheeks or lips. My patients tell me that Invisalign is comfortable to wear from the very first day.

p.s. You can find out how long Invisalign will take to straighten your teeth by scheduling a free consultation today or by calling 613-763-2392.

I can capture 3D images of your teeth and input them into virtual planning software, so you can to see what your new smile will look like before you start treatment.