Using clear aligners can be a convenient and discreet way to achieve a perfect smile, but it’s often accompanied by minor side effects. Many people experience mild to moderate pain during treatment, and understanding the normal reactions can make a massive impact in your overall experience.

A frequent issue reported is soreness—especially when you change aligners. This occurs because your teeth are being slowly repositioned into correct alignment. The pressure can cause temporary tenderness, usually lasting 2–4 days. To alleviate irritation, you can gargle with a saline rinse, which helps soothe swollen gums. Analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken in recommended doses, can also help manage discomfort without affecting progress.

A common irritation is chafing on inner cheeks. Sometimes, the edges of the aligners can press into soft tissue, causing minor ulcers. If this happens, you can use a nail file to carefully buff any burrs on the aligner. Be sure to rinse the aligner after filing to eliminate debris. If the sores don’t heal, reach out to your provider—they may be able to adjust the aligner to reduce friction.

Dry mouth and increased saliva production are also common when you first start. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the foreign object. Staying well hydrated helps with dry mouth, and over time, your body will balance saliva levels. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help increase moisture if discomfort becomes uncomfortable.

Some patients report difficulty speaking clearly at first. This is temporary and usually improves within a week or two. Talk while wearing your aligners—singing along to your favorite songs can help your oral muscles adjust faster. Don’t stay silent just because it feels strange. The more you use your aligners, the more natural they’ll feel.

Importantly, skipping hours for the recommended minimum 20 hours can lead to increased discomfort later. If you get off schedule, don’t try to wear extra sets in one day. Instead, go back to your previous set for a few extra days to let your teeth re-acclimate, then resume the correct sequence. Sticking to the schedule matters to minimize discomfort.

Always keep your aligners clean to prevent oral odor and plaque accumulation. Brush them gently using a non-abrasive brush and neutral cleanser or apply a specialty rinse. Skip heated water—it can distort the shape.

If discomfort becomes severe, lasts longer than a week, or is paired with ear pressure, schedule an urgent appointment. These could be warnings that alignment is off. Nearly all common side effects are short-lived and ارتودنسی_شفاف manageable with a little patience. With time, what once felt uncomfortable will become your standard experience.