Soothing Tips for Better Sleep During Clear Aligner Treatment
New aligners making sleep tough? Learn why nighttime discomfort happens and effective strategies to rest well and stay on track with your smile journey.
Starting clear aligners can bring some discomfort, especially during the first few nights. But don't worry, mild aligner pain at night is common and manageable. Discover how to minimize soreness and ensure a good night's sleep as your teeth gently shift.
🌙 Why Aligner Pain Happens at Night
When you first start a new set of trays, your aligners begin gently shifting your teeth into their next position. That pressure is a sign they’re working—but it can also make your teeth feel sore, especially during sleep when you're not distracted by daily activity.
You may notice:
- Dull pressure or throbbing in your molars
- Sensitivity when biting down
- Mild gum tenderness
💬 NewSmile designs aligners with a smooth, gumline-trimmed edge for added comfort—but soreness in the first 1–3 days is still completely normal.
🛌 Tips to Sleep Through the Discomfort
The good news? You can absolutely sleep with aligners in—even if there’s some initial pain. In fact, keeping them in overnight is essential to stay on track.
Here’s how to sleep more comfortably:
- Switch trays at night so you sleep through the worst of the adjustment
- Use a **cold compress** on your jaw before bed to reduce inflammation
- Elevate your pillow to prevent jaw tension
- Stay hydrated—a dry mouth can increase discomfort
🦷 Consistency is key. The more you wear your aligners, the quicker your mouth will adjust.
💊 Soothing Remedies for Nighttime Relief
Need a little extra help getting through the night? Here are a few gentle, aligner-safe remedies:
- **Over-the-counter pain relief** (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before bed
- **Orthodontic wax** to cover any rough spots or sharp edges
- **Salt water rinse** before sleep to calm gum irritation
- **Chewies** during the day to improve tray fit and reduce uneven pressure
✨ Many NewSmile customers say that sleeping with aligners becomes second nature after the first few nights. You’ve got this.
⏳ When to Worry (And When to Let It Pass)
While mild discomfort is normal, prolonged or severe pain may mean something else is going on.
Contact your provider if:
- Pain lasts longer than 4–5 days with no improvement
- You feel sharp pain, not just pressure
- Your aligners don’t seem to fit properly, even with chewies
- There are visible gaps between the aligners and your teeth
📩 NewSmile’s care team is always here to help you check fit, offer solutions, or guide you through a possible refinement if needed.
Final Thought
Yes, you can sleep with aligner pain—and with a few simple, soothing habits, you can even sleep well. The discomfort is temporary, but the results are long-lasting.
🛏️ With a little patience (and maybe a cold compress), you’ll be sleeping soundly and smiling confidently in no time. And with NewSmile by your side, you're never alone on the journey.
