Though your Dandy Clear Aligners were designed to be a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some discomfort when advancing to their next set of trays. The great news is that this is usually temporary and much milder than what you might experience with braces. However, should you still need a little help, here are a few tried and tested ways to find relief if you wear aligners.
Eat A “Soft Diet”
When your mouth is sore, it can make things like chewing very difficult. Therefore, if you are experiencing discomfort, stick to a “soft diet” full of nutritious, delicious foods that don’t require a lot of pressure to chew. Look for options such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, hummus, and yogurt.
Cold Compresses
Apply a cold compress over the sore area of your mouth for up to 20 minutes. This will help numb some of the soreness and can also help reduce any swelling without making your teeth and gums sensitive.
Dental Wax
Though you don’t need to worry about poking wires or brackets with Dandy Clear Aligners, if your trays are irritating your gums, let your dentist know you need an adjustment. This typically only takes a few minutes and can make a world of difference. In the meantime, you can temporarily cushion the area with a small amount of orthodontic wax, which is available in the dental section of most retailers.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
It’s very important to keep your teeth and gums clean during treatment with Dandy Clear Aligners, because without a way for your saliva to reach your teeth, food and bacteria can be trapped against them for hours at a time. Thus, to prevent painful cavities and gum disease, be sure to keep your teeth, gums, and your aligners clean at all times!
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Though aligner discomfort is usually very mild compared to what you might experience with traditional braces, you may still occasionally need a little extra help managing it. The great news is that most of the time, an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen will provide satisfactory relief.
Keep Going
Though you may be tempted to take off your aligners if they are causing your teeth to hurt, don’t forget that for your treatment to work you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. When you’re ready to advance to your next set of aligners, try doing it at bedtime so you sleep through the most sensitive hours. Furthermore, don’t forget that neglecting to wear your trays will not only make your teeth take longer to progress, but it can also undo your results and set you back even further.
Remember, though discomfort with Dandy Clear Aligners is usually very mild, it may still make wearing your trays a challenge. If you need relief, try these tips and hang in there. You’ll have a beautiful new smile before you know it!
About Dr. Hudson
Dr. Herbert Hudson earned his dental degree from the Louisville School of Dental Medicine and has received advanced training from many notable institutions including the Dawson Academy, Las Vegas Institute, and SPEAR Education. A few topics he has studied in depth include endodontics, dental implants, crowns and bridges, periodontics, TMJ therapy, laser therapy, and orthodontics. To schedule a consultation for Dandy Clear Aligners with Olmstead Village Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 910-295-2750.