Teeth Sensitivity With Invisalign: Causes, Solutions

After getting Invisalign, you might think that it won’t cause any discomfort and give your a beautiful smile. What if you have sudden tooth sensitivity with Invisalign?

In this article, you’ll know about the causes of teeth sensitivity with Invisalign and solutions for that.

Can Invisalign cause tooth sensitivity?

Although it is claimed that Invisalign treatment results in less tooth sensitivity than braces, some tooth sensitivity is common after getting the first set of aligners. The reason is the aligners put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move to lead to various changes in gums and jaw bone.

Because of this movement, your teeth may feel loose as well as sensitive. However, this condition is usually temporary and will go away within a few days.

Moreover, while the aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic, they can still cause some irritation to your gums and teeth. When your treatment will be over, this will typically disappear completely.

How long does tooth sensitivity from Invisalign last?

Tooth sensitivity from Invisalign usually lasts for a few days to a week. However, if the sensitivity is severe, it may last for more than a week. If you experience tooth sensitivity that lasts longer, you should consult your dentist or orthodontist.

Why are your teeth tingling with Invisalign?

There are a few reasons why your teeth might tingle while you’re wearing Invisalign. One possibility is that the trays are putting pressure on your teeth, which can cause them to tingle.

Another possibility is that the Invisalign is moving your teeth, which can also lead to a tingling sensation.

Finally, it’s also possible that the tingling is simply due to sensitivity to the aligners themselves or some other causes.

Why are your teeth so sensitive with Invisalign?

There are a few different reasons why your teeth may be sensitive while wearing Invisalign aligners.

1. Pressure on teeth

One reason is that the aligners put pressure on your teeth, which irritates the nerves and makes them more sensitive.

2. Tooth movement

Additionally, the process of moving your teeth causes changes physically and chemically inside your gums, and jaw bones. It can also cause tooth sensitivity.

3. Irritated gums

Another reason is that the aligners can cause your gums to become irritated. This can lead to gum inflammation and sensitivity.

4. Gum inflammation

When the gums become inflamed, they can pull away from the teeth and expose the root surfaces. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

5. Tooth decay

Tooth decay is another possible cause of increased sensitivity. If you have cavities or tooth decay, the Invisalign aligners can aggravate these conditions and make your teeth more sensitive.

6. Gum recession

You may also have sensitive teeth if you have gum recession, which is when your gums pull back from your teeth and expose the roots. The root surfaces do not have enamel, so they are more sensitive than the rest of your teeth.

7. Pre-existing dental problem

If you have any existing tooth decay or gum disease, this can also contribute to increased sensitivity.

8. Trapped food and plaque

The aligners can also trap food and plaque against your teeth, which can also cause sensitivity. It can happen if you don’t clean your teeth regularly.

9. Worn tooth enamel

Over time, the tooth enamel can become worn down. This can expose the dentin, which is the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel. The dentin is much more sensitive than the enamel, so exposed dentin can lead to increased sensitivity.

It can occur due to tooth grinding habits or poor oral hygiene. When you have aligners, they make it difficult to maintain oral hygiene. So, when you fail to maintain oral hygiene or have a tooth grinding habit, it can cause the enamel to wear down.

10. Cracked or chipped teeth

If a tooth is cracked or chipped, this can also expose the dentin and lead to sensitivity. When you wear the Invisalign trays, this can cause more problems.

10. Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening products can sometimes cause sensitivity. This is more likely to occur if the products are not used correctly.

Your teeth go through a lot of changes during Invisalign treatment. And, if you are using a certain type of teeth whitening product with the aligners, your teeth may develop sensitivity.

11. Acidic foods and drinks

Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks can lead to tooth sensitivity. This is because the acid can eat away at the tooth enamel, exposing the dentin beneath.

12. Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. It contains bacteria that can produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. When you have Invisalign in your mouth and you don’t keep the aligners and teeth clean, this can lead to sensitivity.

13. Brushing too hard

Brushing your teeth too hard can also lead to gum inflammation and exposed roots. This can increase sensitivity during Invisalign treatment.

14. Dental procedures

Some dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, can lead to increased sensitivity. This is usually temporary and will resolve on its own over time.

What happens if you have teeth sensitivity with Invisalign?

If you have teeth sensitivity, you may feel a sharp pain or discomfort when your teeth come into contact with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. The pain may also be triggered by breathing in cold air.

The pain of sensitive teeth can vary from person to person. Some people may only feel mild discomfort, while others may experience a sharp, shooting pain.

In addition, teeth sensitivity can also cause your teeth to feel sensitive to touch. You may feel pain when you brush your teeth or floss between them.

What to do if you have sensitive teeth with Invisalign?

There are a few things you may do to help relieve the discomfort if your teeth are sensitive.

1. Brush and floss teeth regularly and gently.

First, make sure you are brushing and flossing regularly. This will help remove any food or plaque that may be trapped against your teeth.

As your teeth are sensitive, be sure to clean your teeth gently.

2. Use desensitizing toothpaste

You can also try using desensitizing toothpaste, which can help reduce sensitivity. These toothpastes contain ingredients that help to block the pain signals from the teeth to the brain.

3. Use sensitive teeth mouthwash

If the sensitivity is severe, you can also try using a sensitive teeth mouthwash.

4. Avoid hot and cold drinks

Hot and cold drinks can cause sensitivity, so it’s best to stay away from them. Also, try to avoid trigger foods and drinks. Take room temperature food and beverages.

5. Consult your orthodontist

If you are still experiencing sensitivity after trying these things, you can contact your orthodontist or dentist. They may be able to give you a prescription-strength desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash.

If you have severe sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a desensitizing treatment. This involves applying a special gel to the teeth. The gel contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acids.

Your dentist may also recommend a procedure called root canal therapy. This is usually only necessary if the sensitivity is severe and other treatments have not worked.

Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then sealed to prevent further infection.

However, you don’t need to worry about root canal therapy because you will get Invisalign after treating other severe dental problems.

Is tooth sensitivity normal with aligners?

Tooth sensitivity is not uncommon when wearing aligners, but it should go away after a few days. However, Invisalign users experience tingling sensation more than sensitivity. Even, if they have sensitive teeth, they won’t feel much discomfort as you would feel with braces.

If the sensitivity persists for a long time, please contact your dentist or orthodontist. They may need to adjust the fit of your aligners.

Does Invisalign make your teeth sensitive to cold?

Your teeth may feel sensitive to cold during the first few days after getting your first set of Invisalign trays, and this is completely normal. By taking food and beverages that are lukewarm or at room temperature, you can reduce sensitivity.

Does Invisalign make your teeth sensitive to hot?

Invisalign can make your teeth sensitive to hot. This is because the trays can put pressure on your teeth, which can make them sensitive to temperature changes. However, this should only last for a few days and will go away as your teeth adjust to the trays.

Will tooth sensitivity go away after Invisalign?

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue of Invisalign treatment, but it usually goes away after a few days. If you’re still experiencing sensitivity after a week or two, please contact your orthodontist. They may be able to adjust your aligners or give you some tips on how to reduce sensitivity.

Why do you have sensitive teeth after getting Invisalign attachments?

There are a few reasons why you may experience sensitive teeth after getting Invisalign attachments.

  1. As attachments make irregular surfaces on your teeth, it might be hard for you to keep them clean. Moreover, if you don’t clean your teeth and attachments regularly, food debris and plaque will be deposited around the attachments. This will eventually cause teeth sensitivity.
  2. Process of getting attachments or the attachments themselves can be slightly abrasive to your teeth. This is usually not a major problem, but it can cause some sensitivity.
  3. Invisalign aligners put some stress on your teeth through the attachments, which can also lead to sensitivity.

This is normal and should go away after a few days. If you’re still experiencing sensitivity after a week or two, please contact your orthodontist. They may be able to make some adjustments to help alleviate the issue.

Can you have tooth sensitivity after the Invisalign attachments are removed?

It is possible to experience tooth sensitivity after Invisalign attachments are removed. This is because the removal of the attachments can leave the teeth exposed and unprotected. And, when they are exposed to the external environment after a long time, they’ll become sensitive. However, it lasts only a few days.

However, if you don’t take care of your teeth during the Invisalign treatment, they can become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures after the removal of attachments.

To avoid this, it is important to brush and floss regularly and to visit the dentist for regular checkups.

Why are my teeth so sensitive after Invisalign is off?

After Invisalign treatment, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual because all teeth are exposed to the external environment, especially those teeth that were covered with attachments or buttons.

Another reason is that the aligners put pressure on your teeth for months, which can make them sore.

The good news is that this sensitivity is usually temporary and will go away once your teeth adjust to the new alignment.

In the meantime, you can try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or using a softer toothbrush.

If the sensitivity is severe, you can also talk to your orthodontist about getting custom-made trays that are less likely to cause irritation.

Can Invisalign cause nerve damage?

There is no evidence that Invisalign causes nerve damage. However, if you have preexisting nerve damage, Invisalign may exacerbate your condition. If you experience any numbness, tingling, or other nerve-related symptoms during treatment, please contact your doctor immediately.

Takeaways

You can experience a tingling sensation or sensitivity in your teeth after getting the Invisalign and that’s normal. Usually, it’s due to the pressure from aligners and tooth movement.

You can also develop tooth sensitivity as a result of poor oral hygiene, not cleaning the aligners regularly, tooth grinding habit, gum inflammation, or, having a cavity.

Solutions to this problem include using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and brushing your teeth gently.

If the sensitivity persists, you should see your dentist find out the underlying cause. They can then provide you with treatment to ease the discomfort.