One factor you may consider when deciding between Invisalign® and braces is the potential for mouth pain and cuts. You may have a lot of concern about discomfort when correcting the alignment of your teeth. Not only can there be discomfort from moving the teeth into place, but also the corrective device can rub the skin inside the mouth. The skin on the inside of the mouth is delicate. Alignment devices rubbing against the skin can cause painful cuts and sores to develop.
Most patients say the first week of braces or an adjustment is the worst. The braces and wires can rub against parts of the mouth. They may create cuts, sores, and even ulcers. Patients cannot do much to avoid this mouth pain. Dentists will recommend the patient use dental wax to coat the sore spots until the skin has become tougher.
The mouth sores and ulcers that develop with traditional braces can make eating and drinking painful. Patients may need to rinse their mouths often with a special mouthwash or with saltwater. Sometimes, even these techniques are not enough, and the ulcers worsen. Patients that cannot resolve these open sores will need to go back to the dentist’s office to have them checked.
Sometimes, cuts and sores develop after the first week. Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and springs to move the teeth. If any of these come loose, they can cut the mouth and cause a lot of pain. Patients can use dental wax to temporarily protect the cut area until the dentist can repair a bent or loose piece.
The dentist uses a digital mapping tool to engineer a patient’s Invisalign trays. This allows the dentist to create a custom fit for a patient’s mouth. Invisalign trays do not use any metal brackets and wires that stick out and poke the gums and cheeks. Sometimes, the new trays do have sharp edges. When this happens, dentists recommend patients give the sharp edges a gentle buff with very fine sandpaper. Not every patient has this issue.
Traditional braces are not removable at home, but Invisalign trays are. Patients should take them out when eating and while brushing. The dentist designs the trays to fit very closely in the mouth. The close fit can make them difficult to remove. Long nails can also make it difficult for a patient to remove the trays without cutting the gums. Patients can avoid these painful problems by using a removal tool.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in Rockville, MD
Potential discomfort is a key reason why many people choose Invisalign over traditional braces. You should discuss any discomfort with your Invisalign trays with the dentist as soon as possible. The trays cannot work if you find them too uncomfortable to wear. The good news is that most patients love their Invisalign because the trays are so easy and comfortable to wear. No more worrying about mouth pain, cuts, and sores when you choose Invisalign.
Request an appointment or call White Flint Family Dental at 301-273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Maybe you want to straighten your teeth, but you are looking for a more discreet method like Invisalign®. These aligners have exploded in popularity because they are a less obvious way to correct misaligned teeth. Many people with alignment issues who were unsure about braces have now embraced Invisalign. You might be on the fence…
There are so many differences between traditional braces and Invisalign® aligners. You may be wondering which option is right for your alignment needs and if you will have to change your lifestyle. Many people choose to go through the Invisalign process because the trays are less conspicuous than traditional braces. Traditional braces can be very…
Invisalign® dental aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces while straightening crooked teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Compared to braces, most observers do not realize when someone is wearing clear aligners.For this treatment, dentists take impressions of patients' upper and lower teeth…
Wondering whether a cracked tooth can be saved by a dentist? Read on to find out. If a cracked tooth is damaged beyond what can be repaired, then a dentist may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed dental bridge, partial denture, or implant-supported dental crown.The methods used to treat a cracked…
Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.The family dentist is the…