{"id":849,"date":"2025-03-27T18:48:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T18:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/?p=849"},"modified":"2025-05-08T18:48:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T18:48:48","slug":"how-to-ease-new-aligner-discomfort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/how-to-ease-new-aligner-discomfort\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ease New Aligner Discomfort FAST"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Woman smiling while holding clear aligner\" class=\"wp-image-850\" style=\"width:310px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-smiling-while-holding-clear-aligner-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/invisalign.html\">Invisalign<\/a> uses clear, smooth aligners instead of bulky, metal braces, the teeth-straightening process is considerably more comfortable. That said, it is normal to feel discomfort from time to time, particularly in the hours following the transition to the next set of aligners in the series. Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can alleviate soreness and sensitivity fast, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Use a Cold Compress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to alleviating inflammation, using a cold compress will help provide a temporary numbing sensation. So, don\u2019t hesitate to use one (or a towel-wrapped ice pack) for 10 minutes at a time. If neither of these is available, you can also sip on cold water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Take OTC Pain Medication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another easy way to alleviate discomfort is by taking OTC pain medication (ideally about 30 minutes before making the switch to a new set of aligners). Just make sure that you follow the directions on the label; never take more than the recommended amount!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Avoid Crunchy Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To put it simply, crunchy foods will only exacerbate any discomfort you\u2019re experiencing. So, don\u2019t eat raw almonds, whole apples, tortilla chips, or any other foods that require extensive chewing. Instead, opt for softer ones, like cottage cheese, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Use Orthodontic Wax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit the contours of your mouth perfectly, there may be one or two that have a sharp edge. The good news is that your dentist can easily file it down. Plus, you can use orthodontic wax to cover it in the meantime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus Tip: Make the Switch at Night!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While switching to a new set of aligners in the morning might seem like a good idea, it often results in discomfort throughout the day. If this sounds all too familiar, try making the switch at night! That way, you sleep through the large majority of the adjustment period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our team at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/\">Rosenfeld Dental Associates<\/a> is trained and certified to provide Invisalign. So, if you\u2019ve always wanted a straighter smile but have been put off by the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires, let us know! We\u2019re happy to offer convenient appointment times and welcome multiple financial solutions so your overall experience is smooth and stress-free as well. To get started, get in touch with us via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njsmile.com\/contact.html\">website<\/a> or by phone at <strong>(908) 668-7838<\/strong> to schedule your consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since Invisalign uses clear, smooth aligners instead of bulky, metal braces, the teeth-straightening process is considerably more comfortable. That said, it is normal to feel discomfort from time to time, particularly in the hours following the transition to the next set of aligners in the series. Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can alleviate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Ease New Aligner Discomfort FAST<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you struggling with some discomfort stemming from your new aligners? 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