Clear aligners like SureSmile were designed as a more comfortable alternative to traditional braces. So you might be wondering “what’s the deal with these so-called ‘aches’?” Like with any new oral appliance, your teeth are likely to feel sore after you receive a fresh set of trays. Fortunately, the discomfort is often manageable! Keep reading to learn how you can settle into your smile and relieve SureSmile aches.
How SureSmile Works
As explained, you’re most likely to experience some soreness when you first get SureSmile and when you “move up” to your next-step trays. This is because the aligners straighten your teeth by gradually applying increasing amounts of pressure to nudge them into place. Overall, the process is carefully calculated to be as gentle as possible, but teeth can be rather stubborn and resistant to movement.
Relieving Your Soreness
You’ll be glad to know that many patients say SureSmile aches aren’t the same as what you would experience after getting braces tightened! The discomfort isn’t as pronounced and can be relieved fairly easily. These tips and tricks can help you have a comfortable SureSmile experience:
- Apply cold compresses. A simple ice pack or bag of ice cubes is effective for numbing sore areas and reducing inflammation.
- Follow wear-time instructions. You might be tempted to wear your aligners for less than the recommended time each day, but this will only make it take longer to get used to them!
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth and your SureSmile trays, so regular brushing and flossing is a must.
- Stick to a soft food diet. Some patients note that soreness is usually triggered while eating, so consuming soft foods until your teeth are less sensitive is a good idea.
- Take pain relievers as necessary. A little Tylenol or ibuprofen can go a long way!
As a professional, your dentist might have additional tricks for handling SureSmile discomfort. Be sure to ask them for advice and get excited! Your dream smile is just around the corner.
About the Author
Dr. KwonDuk Jung is SureSmile certified, meaning he’s completed special training courses to provide more effective clear aligner treatment for his patients. He knows how important it is to feel comfortable during the orthodontic process, so if you have any questions or concerns about relieving SureSmile aches, please contact Dr. Jung’s office at 207-985-3576.