December 5, 2025
3M Clear Aligners and other similar treatments continue to gain popularity as a more discreet and comfortable solution than traditional braces for straightening smiles. However, any treatment that applies enough pressure to shift your teeth can cause aches, and this option is no exception.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to help ease discomfort when you begin wearing your new aligners. Continue reading to learn more about how this service works and tips for easing associated aches when you start wearing the trays!
How Do 3M Clear Aligners Work?
This alternative to traditional orthodontics relies on a series of plastic trays that are designed using impressions of your mouth taken during your initial consultation with your provider. Each set must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting positions. Then, after about a week or two, you’ll be directed to switch to the next aligners in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Many patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, often shorter than the time it takes for standard orthodontics to do the same job. Then, when your treatment is complete, you might also be required to wear a retainer to ensure your teeth remain in their updated placements long enough for your mouth to adjust and prevent them from relapsing.
How Can I Reduce New Aligner Discomfort?
These smooth plastic trays are unlikely to cut the tender tissues inside your mouth like metal brackets and clipped wires, but it’s normal to feel throbbing or swelling, especially when your aligners are new. There are several ways you can help reduce discomfort, including:
- Place an ice pack. You can hold a cold compress to the sore side of your face for about 15 minutes for a temporary numbing reprieve.
- Over-the-counter medications. It’s often safe to take the recommended dosage of options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Switch at night. Many patients believe the worst aches occur in the hours after first inserting new aligners, and can be avoided by putting them in before bed to sleep through your mouth’s initial reaction.
- Stick to softer foods. You can avoid triggering additional negative sensations by enjoying easy-to-eat foods that require less biting and chewing, such as blended smoothies, scrambled eggs, applesauce, yogurt, or mashed potatoes.
- Maintaining your aligners. Plaque and bacteria can cling to the surface of your aligners, then spread to your teeth and gums to cause additional irritation when inserting your trays. Cleaning them twice daily removes residue buildup to help prevent this.
If you experience persistent or severe pain that doesn’t subside, it may be time to contact your dentist to ensure that your clear aligners fit and function as intended!
Meet the Author
Dr. Daniel Lim is passionate about improving patients’ lives in Arlington by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University and has since completed hundreds of hours of continuing education at the prestigious Kois Center to remain current with the latest treatments and technologies. He offers a full menu of services, including 3M Clear Aligners, conveniently under one roof to meet all your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 375-0400.