Getting Invisalign for the first time is an exciting journey toward that smile you’ve always wanted. It takes a little time to get used to your clear aligners. Sometimes, patients report having headaches during that time. Other patients report headaches before their Invisalign, but now they don’t have them. So it begs the question: Does Invisalign cause headaches?

How is this possible? There are several explanations, from bruxism to the need for your mouth to get used to your new appliances. We understand you may have some discomfort at first, but that’s perfectly normal and usually temporary. Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics will be here for you every step of the way. Let’s explore why you might get headaches before or after Invisalign and what you can do to avoid the pain.

Invisalign and Headaches

Patients who begin treatment with Invisalign clear aligners may experience some discomfort within the first week or so. This could include a sore mouth, which can lead to minor headaches. It also could cause the patient to grind their teeth as a reaction to the discomfort. Can Invisalign cause migraines? The trays themselves likely won’t, but your reaction to the new clear aligners — grinding your teeth or trying to adjust your bite or jaw — can create enough tension to cause a headache or migraine. 

Rest assured, this is normal and temporary! Invisalign works similarly to braces by applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into position. Your teeth and jaws aren’t used to this pressure at first, so there may be some soreness or discomfort. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, adjusting to your Invisalign and ending your teeth-grinding habit could cause tension headaches. They should be minor and shouldn’t be detrimental to your lifestyle. The discomfort should subside after a few days as your mouth gets used to the pressure. This should reduce or eliminate any headaches you may have.

Invisalign Migraine Relief

While Invisalign can temporarily cause headaches, many patients report that it also has reduced or eliminated their headaches and migraines. People with bruxism, or teeth-grinding, have found that Invisalign provides a barrier to lessen the ability to grind their teeth. Moving the teeth into their proper positions also reduces teeth-grinding. This, in turn, reduces headaches and jaw and neck pain.

Many people have face, jaw, and neck pain because of excess pressure put on their jaws by bad bites. The pain created by your bad bite can lead to headaches and even migraines caused by tension. Patients with bruxism also find they suffer from headaches and migraines often. They’re surprised to find out how braces can help migraines or how Invisalign helps migraines. 

For patients with bruxism, the clear aligners alone may trigger a response that keeps the patient from grinding their teeth. They find the clear aligners work almost like mouthguards, preventing them from grinding their teeth in their sleep. If not, their dentist or orthodontist may recommend using an appliance that prevents teeth-grinding. Either way, the Invisalign clear aligners tend to reduce tension in the jaws, head, and neck, which reduces tension-induced headaches.

Headache Relief With Invisalign

It will take a few days to get used to having your new Invisalign, but a few days of discomfort will be worth it when you see the gorgeous new smile your Invisalign creates! Over time, you may find you have even fewer headaches and migraines than before. Your new bite means less pressure on your teeth and jaws, which means less pain in the long run. 

Whatever your comfort level, Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics will be there for you to solve any issues you may have and answer your questions. You may find Invisalign is perfect for you. If not, we offer other options, from 3M Clarity Aligners to clear or metal braces, to lingual braces, which are hidden behind your teeth. If you’re in the Waterloo, IL, or Columbia, IL, areas, you can start your journey with a virtual consultation from your laptop or mobile device. After a thorough, no-obligation consultation, we’ll lay out all your options. 

Straightening your teeth can do so much more than boost your self-esteem. Straighter teeth could mean fewer headaches for you over time and a gorgeous smile you can show off proudly. Why wait? Let’s get started on your Invisalign journey today!