Dr. Bruce Matthews, DDS

I have heard that braces can be very painful. Is Invisalign painful?

woman putting on Invisalign clear aligners in wilmington deUpdated in October 2025

A lot of the pain experienced in traditional braces is from the hardware itself. The metal brackets that are cemented to your teeth have sharp edges, which can irritate the tender flesh of your mouth and make eating difficult and painful. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable, with none of the sharp edges and wires associated with braces.

Mild Pressure, Not Pain

Most patients describe the feeling of Invisalign not as pain, but as mild pressure, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. This pressure is a good sign! It means your Invisalign trays are working, gently shifting your teeth into their ideal positions.

This minor discomfort usually lasts only a few days after each change, and most patients find it easy to manage. You can also wear your aligners for a few hours before bedtime when starting a new set to help your mouth adjust overnight.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Comfort and Confidence

Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners don’t come with metal hardware or rubber bands that can break or poke your mouth. They’re also removable, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss without restriction.

Beyond comfort, Invisalign helps you feel more confident during treatment. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. That means you can smile freely in photos, at work, or during social events without worrying about brackets or wires.

A Safe, Comfortable, and Effective Solution

The Invisalign system is a safe, comfortable and invisible alternative to traditional braces. Our office is an Invisalign preferred provider, so contact us to schedule an appointment today and get started improving your smile!

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