Is Invisalign more painful than braces?
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is whether it will hurt. Clear aligners like Invisalign have a reputation for being more comfortable than fixed braces, but what does treatment actually feel like, and how do the two really compare?
In this guide, our dentists explain what to expect from Invisalign treatment, how it compares with traditional braces, and the simple things you can do to stay comfortable.
The short answer
For most people, no. Both Invisalign and fixed braces cause some soreness while your teeth are moving. However, studies comparing the two generally find that people wearing clear aligners report less pain in the first few days of treatment and fewer mouth sores. With Invisalign, the discomfort usually feels like pressure or tightness and settles within 2 to 3 days of starting each new set of aligners.
24 to 48
hours is when tightness from a new aligner usually peaks
2 to 3
days for most discomfort to settle
1 to 2
weeks between each new set of aligners
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign works by applying gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth a small amount with each new set of aligners. Most patients describe the feeling as pressure, tightness or a dull ache rather than sharp pain. It is a sign that your aligners are doing their job.
You may notice discomfort in a few different ways:
- Pressure from a new set of aligners. This is most noticeable for the first day or two after you switch to new aligners.
- One tooth feeling sorer than the rest. This is common when a particular tooth is being moved more than the others in that stage of treatment.
- Tender teeth when chewing. Teeth can feel sensitive to biting for the first few days of a new set.
- Rubbing from the aligner edges. Occasionally an edge can irritate your gums, tongue or the inside of your lips. Your dentist can easily smooth any rough edges.
What to expect with each new set of aligners
Day 1
Tightness is most noticeable
Your new aligners will feel snug as they start to apply pressure. Switching to a new set at bedtime means you can sleep through the first few hours.
Days 2 to 3
Discomfort peaks, then eases
Any tenderness usually peaks within 24 to 48 hours and then starts to fade. Soft foods and a little pain relief can help if you need it.
Day 4 onwards
Comfortable until your next set
By now most patients barely notice their aligners. The cycle starts again, usually more gently, when you move on to your next set.
How does Invisalign compare with traditional braces?
Fixed braces use brackets bonded to your teeth and a wire that is adjusted every few weeks. It is normal to feel sore for a few days after your braces are fitted and after each adjustment. Brackets and wires can also rub the inside of your cheeks and lips in the early weeks, although orthodontic wax helps a great deal and your mouth quickly toughens up.
Because Invisalign aligners are smooth and moved on in small stages, the pressure is spread more evenly and there are no metal parts to cause sores. Here is how the two compare:
| Invisalign | Fixed braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of discomfort | Pressure and tightness | Pressure, plus rubbing from brackets and wires |
| When it happens | First 2 to 3 days of each new set | After fitting and after each adjustment |
| Mouth sores | Less common, as aligners are smooth | More common early on, until your mouth adjusts |
| Eating | Aligners come out, so no food restrictions | Hard and sticky foods need to be avoided |
| Pain relief | Less often needed | More often needed in the first week |
That said, every patient is different, and fixed braces remain an excellent option for many people. At Blessing Dental Care we offer both Invisalign and traditional braces, and your dentist will recommend the treatment that best suits your teeth, your goals and your lifestyle.
How to make Invisalign more comfortable
- Switch to new aligners at bedtime. You will sleep through the first few hours of pressure, when it is usually at its strongest.
- Take a simple painkiller if you need one. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help in the first day or two. Always follow the instructions on the packet and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
- Stick to soft foods for a few days. Soups, pasta, eggs and yoghurt are easier on tender teeth after a new set.
- Try something cold. Sipping cold water or holding a cold compress against your cheek can soothe aching teeth and gums.
- Use orthodontic wax on any rough edges. If an aligner edge rubs, a little wax gives quick relief. Let us know so that we can smooth it for you.
- Keep wearing your aligners. It is tempting to take them out when they feel tight, but wearing them for 20 to 22 hours a day helps your teeth adjust faster. Leaving them out for long periods can make them feel tighter when they go back in.
Perfectly normal
- Pressure or tightness for 2 to 3 days
- Teeth feeling tender when you chew
- One tooth feeling sorer than others
- A slight lisp for the first few days
Contact your dentist if
- You have sharp or severe pain
- Discomfort lasts longer than a week
- An aligner is cracked or does not fit
- A sore or cut in your mouth is not healing
Other benefits of Invisalign
- Discreet. Clear aligners are barely noticeable, so most people will not know you are having treatment.
- Removable. You take your aligners out to eat, drink and clean your teeth, so there are no food restrictions.
- Easier to keep clean. Brushing and flossing are much simpler without brackets and wires. Read our guide to cleaning your aligners.
- Fewer emergency visits. There are no brackets to break or wires to poke.
- A clear plan from the start. A digital treatment plan shows how your teeth are expected to move before you begin.
How much does Invisalign cost?
At Blessing Dental Care, Invisalign starts from £2,500 and traditional metal braces start from £2,250 for one arch. The exact cost depends on how much your teeth need to move, and your dentist will give you a clear quote before treatment starts. Orthodontic consultations are £49, or free for existing patients, and 0% finance is available to help spread the cost. See our full price list.
Frequently asked questions
Does Invisalign hurt more at the beginning?
Yes, the first set of aligners is usually the most noticeable because your teeth are not yet used to the pressure. Most patients find each new set feels easier as treatment goes on.
Is it normal for one tooth to hurt more than the others?
Yes. Each stage of treatment moves some teeth more than others, so one or two teeth can feel sorer for a day or two. If the pain is sharp or does not ease, contact your dentist.
Do Invisalign attachments hurt?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip. Fitting them is quick and does not need an injection. They can feel slightly rough to your tongue at first, but you soon get used to them.
Can I take my aligners out if they hurt?
Try to keep them in. Your aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to work, and taking them out for long periods can slow your treatment and make them feel tighter when you put them back in. Only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth.
Does Invisalign hurt when you sleep?
Most people sleep comfortably with their aligners in, which is why we recommend switching to a new set at bedtime. Find out more in our article on sleeping with Invisalign.
Invisalign in Paisley
Straighten your smile in comfort
At Blessing Dental Care in Foxbar, Paisley, our dentists will talk you through exactly what to expect from Invisalign, including how it will feel, how long it will take and how to stay comfortable at every stage. If braces are a better fit for your teeth, we will explain why and talk you through your options.
Book an orthodontic consultation to find out whether Invisalign is right for you.
