Invisalign is a popular clear aligner therapy for correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. As with any orthodontic treatment, moving teeth can cause some discomfort. Some Invisalign patients opt to use oral sedation medication to help manage the treatment of pain and anxiety. But is oral sedation always necessary? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using oral sedation for Invisalign treatment.
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation refers to medication taken by mouth to induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and manage any discomfort associated with orthodontic adjustments during Invisalign treatment. The most common oral sedation options prescribed for Invisalign include hydroxyzine, Lorazepam, and Diazepam.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine sedative drug that can reduce anxiety and discomfort. Taken 1 hour before appointments. Lorazepam and Diazepam are benzodiazepine anxiety medications used to relieve stress and muscle tension. They are also taken 30-60 minutes before appointments.
The goal of oral sedation is to take the edge off so patients can better tolerate teeth aligning during an Invisalign appointment or adjustment. It induces light drowsiness and reduces sensitivity, but patients remain awake and coherent.
When is Oral Sedation Recommended for Invisalign Treatment?
Oral sedation for invisalign treatment is usually only recommended in certain cases where a patient has a low pain tolerance and fears discomfort, requires extensive tooth movement over a long treatment period, needs sequential bands or attachments placed or removed, has rigid nighttime aligner wear for rapid results, or is undergoing IPR (interproximal reduction) to make space.
So, oral sedation may provide benefits for Invisalign patients undergoing procedures, complex treatments requiring extensive tooth movement over many stages, or those who simply have a low threshold for pain and anxiety.
Potential Pros of Using Oral Sedation for Invisalign
If recommended by your orthodontist or dentist, some reasons why oral sedation could be helpful during an Invisalign treatment include: it reduces discomfort by diminishing pain and sensitivity, it manages anxiety by calming jitters and relaxing muscle tension caused by stress or anxiety.
Sedation helps compliance by being less anxious or sore which may improve follow-through at home, it speeds treatment by encouraging patients to wear aligners for longer which can shorten an Invisalign plan, and it avoids setbacks by supporting smooth progress versus frequent use of oral pain relievers failing to properly wear aligners due to pain potentially causing treatment delays or extra stages.
Potential Cons of Using Oral Sedation for Invisalign
Invisalign is a treatment option that involves using pills to improve braces treatment. However, it comes with additional costs, such as additional prescription fees, and can cause side effects like stomach sickness or headaches. Some patients may avoid pain without pills, slowing down treatment in the long run. Additionally, some may feel compelled to use pills at every appointment, even when braces aren’t bothering them as much anymore. The doctor aims for patients to be relaxed and handle the challenges of braces on their own.
Should You Use Oral Sedation for Your Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign patients often benefit from oral sedation during orthodontic therapy. However, it’s not always necessary. Factors to consider include mild discomfort, short simple plans, complex cases, anxiety, low pain tolerance, or previous struggles. An individualized plan with an orthodontist is crucial. Sedation should be a temporary option, not a substitute for coping skills.