Invisalign is a popular dental appliance that many people use to correct their teeth alignment. However, some users have reported that Invisalign has caused them to cut their tongues, gums, lips, and cheeks.
In this article, we will explore the causes of these injuries and suggest possible solutions.
Why is your Invisalign cutting tongue, gums, lips, cheek, or mouth?
There are several reasons why your Invisalign might be cutting your tongue, gums, lips, and cheek.
1. Ill-fitting aligners
The most common reason is that the aligners are not properly fitted. If the aligners are too large or too small, they can rub against your soft tissue and cause irritation or cuts. The poor fitting can happen more when you get the aligners for the first time.
Solution:
If you think your aligners are ill-fitting, visit your dentist or orthodontist to get them adjusted.
2. Sharp aligner edges
Another reason why your Invisalign might be cutting your tongue, gums, lips, and cheek is that the aligners have sharp edges. When the aligners are new, the edges might be sharp and can cut your soft tissue.
Solution:
If you have new aligners, you can file down the sharp edges with a nail file or emery board.
Or, you can simply put orthodontic wax over the sharp edges to prevent it from cutting your cheek.
However, the best solution is to visit your orthodontist and fix it.
3. Invisalign is too tight
If your Invisalign is too tight, it can put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move. This can also lead to pain, discomfort, and cuts on your gums.
Solution:
You should see your dentist or orthodontist to get the aligners adjusted. They will be able to loosen the aligners so that they are more comfortable.
You can also try using a chewie to help with the pressure. A chewie is a small, soft rubber device that you bite on to help relieve the pressure.
4. Invisalign is not cleaned properly
If you don’t clean your Invisalign properly, bacteria stains and plaque can build up and cause irritation. This can also lead to cuts on your gums.
Solution:
You should brush your aligners with toothpaste and water every day. You can also soak them in denture cleaner once a week.
Be sure to rinse them well after cleaning and before putting them back in your mouth.
5. Poor oral hygiene
Another common reason for these injuries is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food and bacteria can build up around your teeth and aligners and cause irritation when you put them back in.
Solution:
To avoid this, make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and clean your aligners regularly.
6. Poor insertion and removal technique
If you’re not careful when putting your aligners in or taking them out, you can accidentally pinch or cut yourself.
This is because the aligners are made of hard plastic and might have sharp edges.
Solution:
When inserting or removing your aligners, be careful not to pinch or cut yourself. We suggest you practice with a spare set of aligners before using your actual ones.
7. Bent Invisalign trays
If your Invisalign aligner gets bent for some reason and you try to place it on your teeth, it can cut your gums, cheek, or tongue.
Solution:
You can try to fix the aligners at home yourself after talking to your orthodontist or you can take it to them.
8. Cracked or broken Invisalign aligners
Invisalign aligners can cut your mouth, when they get cracked or broken due to an accident or are not taken care of them properly.
Solution:
You can contact your orthodontist to fix the broken aligner or you can try to repair it on your own at home.
9. Allergies
Some people are allergic to the materials used to make Invisalign aligners. This can cause irritation, redness, and swelling around the mouth.
Solution:
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, the best thing to do is to consult with your dentist or orthodontist.
They will be able to properly assess the situation and suggest the best course of action.
You can also see an orthodontist and get braces. With braces, your teeth will be aligned properly and you might not have to deal with allergies.
10. Misaligned teeth
If your teeth are misaligned, it can put pressure on your gums and cause them to bleed. This can also happen if you have an overbite or underbite.
Sometimes, when one or two teeth are out of the arch, Invisalign trays may put more pressure on them and cause irritation.
Solution:
If you are experiencing this problem, it’s important to see your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible.
They will be able to properly assess the situation and suggest the best course of action.
However, if you have any cuts or sores, be sure to rinse them with warm water and apply a numbing gel to the area.
You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the pain and swelling.
11. Clenching or grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, this can put stress on your jaw and cause your gums to bleed.
Over time, this can also damage your teeth as well as aligners and cause them to irritate your mouth.
Solution:
You should see your orthodontist take to him/her about the problem. They can give you a night guard.
A night guard will protect your teeth from grinding and help to reduce the stress on your jaw.
You should also avoid chewing gum and eating hard foods as this can aggravate the problem.
12. Wearing the Invisalign for too long
If you wear your Invisalign for too long, it can start to irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Too long mean, wearing them more than the recommended period.
Solution:
If you’re wearing your Invisalign for too long, the best thing to do is to take a break from them. Take them out for a few hours to give your gums a chance to rest.
Usually, you have to wear the aligners for not more than 22 hours a day. So, you should take a break when you eat and clean your teeth.
You can also try using a gum shield to help protect your gums. A gum shield is a soft, pliable piece of rubber that you wear over your gums.
13. Chewing on hard objects
If you chew on hard objects, such as your nails or a pen, this can put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move out of place. This can also damage your aligners.
Solution:
You should avoid chewing on hard objects. If you need to chew on something, try gum or a soft toy.
14. Eating hard or sticky foods
If you eat hard or sticky foods wearing Invisalign, such as candy or gum, this can damage your aligners. In fact, you aren’t not allowed to eat with aligners inside your mouth.
Solution:
You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods. If you need to eat something, take your aligners out first and brush your teeth afterward.
15. Bacteria build-up on the aligners
If you don’t clean your Invisalign regularly, bacteria can build up on the appliance and cause infection.
Solution:
You should brush your aligners with toothpaste and water every day. You can also soak them in denture cleaner once a week.
Be sure to rinse them well after cleaning and before putting them back in your mouth.
What to do if Invisalign cuts the tongue, gums, lips, and cheek?
If your Invisalign is cutting your tongue, gums, lips, or cheek, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process.
1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will help to soothe any irritation and reduce swelling.
2. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help to prevent infection and speed up healing.
3. You can also apply a numbing gel to the affected area when you have soreness.
4. Place a piece of wax on the sharp edges of your aligners. This will act as a buffer and help to prevent further cuts.
5. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about getting a new set of aligners that fit properly.
6. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. But, keep in mind that, a pain killer may hamper your tooth movement.
7. If you have an infection, see your dentist or doctor right away. You may need antibiotics to clear the infection.
8. Keep up with your oral hygiene routine. This will help to prevent future infections and irritation.
9. Be careful when putting your aligners in and taking them out. Avoid pinching or cutting yourself.
10. If you’re having persistent problems, and your Invisalign is cutting your tongue, gums, lips, and cheek, we suggest you visit your dentist or orthodontist to get their professional opinion.
They will be able to determine the cause of the problem and suggest the best solution.
What can you do to prevent Invisalign from cutting the tongue, gums, lips, and cheek?
There are several things you can do to prevent Invisalign from cutting your tongue, gums, lips, mouth, and cheek.
1. Make sure that your aligners fit properly.
If they’re too big or too small, ask your dentist or orthodontist to adjust them.
2. Practice good oral hygiene.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will help to prevent food and bacteria from building up around your aligners and causing irritation.
3. Keep your aligners clean.
Clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also soak them in denture cleaner or vinegar.
4. Avoid chewing on things.
Don’t chew on hard objects or eat sticky foods while wearing your aligners. This can damage them and cause them to irritate your mouth.
5. Be careful when putting in and taking out your aligners.
When putting your aligners in and taking them out, avoid pinching or cutting yourself. You can do it by holding the aligner with both hands and inserting it slowly.
Put them in slowly and carefully. Don’t force them into the place.
While putting and removing aligners, don’t pull out or push in from just one side.
6. Don’t eat with Invisalign trays on teeth.
Never eat with aligners inside your mouth because it can damage the trays and cause injuries.
7. Follow the recommended wear time.
Wearing Invisalign for a long time can damage your gums and cause them to bleed. So, it is recommended to wear them for 20-22 hours a day and take them out only to eat or brush your teeth.
8. Check the fit of Invisalign regularly.
It is necessary to check the fit of your Invisalign every week. If you notice that they are getting loose, consult your dentist or orthodontist.
9. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist
If you’re having problems and your aligners that are causing pain or irritation, talk to your dentist or orthodontist.
They may be able to adjust them or give you a new set that fits better. They will also be able to suggest other solutions.
By following these tips, you can prevent Invisalign from cutting your tongue, gums, lips, and cheek.
Takeaways
Invisalign can cause cuts on the tongue, gums, lips, and cheeks. The most common causes are misaligned teeth, poor oral hygiene, and using too much force when putting the aligners in or taking them out.
To prevent these injuries, make sure that your aligners fit properly and practice good oral hygiene.
If you do experience a cut, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a topical antibiotic ointment.
You should also see your dentist or orthodontist if you have an infection.
