Invisalign, Orthodontics

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First Week with Invisalign? We’ve Got You Covered

by Image Orthodontics

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June 14, 2025

Summary

The first week of Invisalign is a time of adjustment.

You may expect mild to moderate discomfort and a learning curve with inserting and removing your trays.

Wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and follow best practices to stay on track.

Discomfort usually fades within a few days, and the long-term benefits of a straighter smile are worth it.

Starting your Invisalign treatment can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. You’re taking a big step toward a straighter smile, but adjusting to life with clear aligners comes with its own set of challenges. From getting used to the feel of the trays to managing daily routines like eating and cleaning, there’s a lot to navigate.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll show you what to expect during your first week with Invisalign.

First Day with Invisalign

Since your orthodontist confirmed that your case can be treated with Invisalign, you have been expecting this. Your first day with Invisalign can bring excitement and anticipation, but it may also come with a few surprises:

Most patients report feeling pressure and tightness when they first put in their aligners. This is completely normal; your trays are custom-made to apply controlled pressure to move your teeth gradually.

On day one, it might also feel strange to have plastic trays in your mouth for the majority of the day. You’ll need to get used to inserting and removing them, which can feel tricky at first. It’s a good idea to practice this while still in your orthodontist’s office to avoid any frustration at home.

You may also notice a slight lisp or change in your speech. This usually resolves within a day or two as your tongue adjusts to the new appliance.

Most importantly, remember to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track.

Navigating the Rest of The Week: Tips & Expectations

Your first week with Invisalign sets the foundation for your Invisalign journey. Adapting to your new routine quickly will make everything easier moving forward. These are some common experiences and what to expect:

Tightness and Pressure

Your aligners are designed to exert pressure on specific teeth to encourage movement. This means the trays will feel snug when you first put them in. The tightness is usually most noticeable during the first 48 hours.

Soreness and Mild Pain

Many patients ask, “How many days does Invisalign hurt?” The answer varies from person to person.

You may feel jaw pain, increased gum sensitivity, or discomfort when biting down. Those symptoms are a normal part of the tooth movement process.

At Image Orthodontics, we offer in our San Francisco offices OrthoPulse as a solution to help reduce discomfort. By using near-infrared light, OrthoPulse stimulates the bone surrounding your teeth. That promotes faster cellular activity and eases the pressure associated with aligner changes.

Just a few minutes of daily use could reduce pain and make your Invisalign experience more comfortable.

If your pain persists longer than a week or becomes sharp or unbearable, contact us.

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Difficulty Removing Aligners

In your first few days, removing your aligners might feel like a puzzle.

Start by loosening the trays at the back molars and gently working your way forward. Avoid pulling too hard or using sharp objects, as this can damage your trays or hurt your gums.

Minor Speech Changes

Just like with braces or retainers, some Invisalign users experience a temporary change in speech. A lisp or slight pronunciation difficulty is common, especially in the first few days.

Increased Saliva or Dry Mouth

Your mouth might react to the aligners by producing more saliva. This is your body’s way of adapting to a foreign object. On the flip side, some patients experience dry mouth due to reduced airflow while wearing trays. In either case, staying hydrated is crucial.

Drink water frequently and avoid sugary or acidic beverages that could harm your teeth or stain your aligners.

Adjusting Eating and Drinking Habits

With Invisalign, you must remove your trays before eating or drinking anything besides water. This can initially feel inconvenient, but it helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. And it is much more comfortable than eating or drinking with clear braces, as those could be stained.

You’ll also need to brush your teeth after every meal to avoid staining your trays or developing cavities. And if you make a habit of carrying the Invisalign case with you, you will always have a safe space to store your aligners.

When Should You Contact Your Orthodontist

While some discomfort is expected, there are situations where you should reach out to your orthodontist for guidance, for example:

Pain that becomes sharp or lasts more than five days
Aligners that don’t seem to fit properly or have noticeable gaps
Sores or irritation that make it difficult to eat or speak
Cracked, broken, or warped trays

Invisalign in San Francisco

At Image Orthodontics, we take your comfort seriously. We’re proud to be a Top 1% Diamond+ Invisalign Provider. This means that we are experts in treating hundreds of patients with Invisalign aligners every year.

Our expert and certified orthodontic team is available to answer your questions, review your progress, and provide adjustments.

Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us at your nearest location, for example in San Francisco Mission District, San Jose Berryessa or Santa Rosa. Check all of our locations here.

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How to Relieve Invisalign Pain

There are several strategies that can help reduce Invisalign pain and keep you comfortable, especially during your first week. However, we suggest always asking your orthodontist for advice.

Cold Compresses: Applying a cold pack to your cheek can numb sore areas and reduce inflammation.
Pain Medication: Ask your orthodontist for guidance on which over-the-counter pain relief medication you may use.
Warm Salt Water Rinse: This natural remedy helps soothe sore gums and soft tissue irritation.
Chewies: These soft, rubbery tools help ensure your trays are seated properly and can reduce pressure points.
Soft Diet: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days. Smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, and oatmeal are all good options.
Start New Trays at Night: Begin wearing new aligners before bed so you can sleep through the initial adjustment period.

Make Oral Hygiene a Top Priority

Good oral hygiene may help your teeth move more quickly during treatment. For optimal results, remember to brush once in the morning, once at night, and floss at least once a day. After meals, you should rinse your mouth out before putting your aligners back. Finally, you should clean your aligners daily:

Rinse your aligners under cool or lukewarm water from your faucet.
Gently scrub the inside and outside of the tray with your toothbrush.
Use cleaning foam, cleaning tablets or a sonic cleaner to clean them.

Conclusion

Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first.

The first week with Invisalign is all about adjustment. In a few weeks, your Invisalign trays will feel like second nature, and you may start seeing visible improvements in your smile. It is also the first step toward a more confident smile.

At Image Orthodontics, we are here to guide and support you throughout your treatment. From your first tray to your final refinement, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Are you a new patient?

Are you an existing patient?

Image Orthodontics

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Invisalign hurt on the first day?

You may experience some level of discomfort or tightness during their first day. This is a normal part of the process as the trays begin shifting your teeth into their new positions.