5 Symptoms You Can Expect When You Wear Clear Aligners | Zenyum SG
Start Your Journey Today

5 Symptoms You Can Expect When You Wear Clear Aligners | Zenyum SG

December 17, 2025

While clear aligners provide a range of benefits over conventional metal braces, it does not exempt one from the inevitable sacrifices that come with giving ourselves our best smile. Here are 5 unexpected but totally normal things that happen while wearing clear aligners.

Common Clear Aligner Symptoms
Symptom Is It Normal? Why It Happens What You Should Do
Lisp Yes, temporary Tongue adjusts to aligner thickness Practice speaking; improves in 2–3 days
Aligners feel loose Yes, usually good Teeth are shifting as planned Change aligners as instructed; contact support if they are falling out
Teeth feel loose Yes Bone remodelling during movement Wear aligners 22 hours/day; avoid very hard foods
Soreness Yes Pressure applied to move teeth Use painkillers if needed; ask your dentist if pain is severe
Dry mouth Sometimes Saliva flow temporarily reduced Drink more water; avoid sugary drinks

1. You have a lisp

You might notice a small lisp during the first couple of days of wearing your clear aligners or when switching to a new set. Don’t worry though! This is very common and usually passes quickly. As your mouth gets used to the feel of the aligners, your tongue will naturally adjust, and your speech will go right back to normal.

2. Your aligners feel loose

If your aligners feel loose or like they don’t fit your teeth as snugly as they once did when you first changed them, it’s a good thing! It signals that your teeth are shifting into the right positions and it’s only a matter of time till you change to the next set of aligners. However, if you think that the looseness is inappropriate where it’s constantly falling out of place or giving you discomfort, simply ping the customer care team via the Zenyum app for immediate support.

3. Your teeth feel loose

It’s completely understandable to feel surprised if your teeth start to feel a little loose during your aligner treatment, especially when biting into harder foods. The good news is that this sensation is normal and actually indicates that your teeth are gently shifting into their new positions. As long as you continue wearing your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, you are right on track toward a more aligned smile.

4. Your mouth feels sore

Your teeth do require a wee little bit of pressure to realign. If your mouth feels sore, it shows that the aligners are doing its job. While the slight discomfort may not be ideal, it is part and parcel of your aligner treatment. If the pain is disrupting your concentration, you can take painkillers. That being said, if you’re experiencing abrasions on your gums or unbearable pain, it could mean your aligners are not fitted properly and you would have to consult your dentist to make the necessary adjustments.

Side-point: this is exactly why Zenyum insists on proper screening with licensed dental professionals before starting invisible braces treatment - to make sure the aligners fit properly! If the aligners fit snugly though, remember the pain is only temporary. It will get better with time - and the results are forever!

Stylized Link Example

Read more: A Guide to Handling Temporary Pain from Invisible Aligners

5. Your mouth goes dry

Dry mouth can happen for a variety of reasons, and while it’s not very common with clear aligners, it can occur. Because the aligners cover your teeth, your saliva may not circulate the same way it normally does, which can make your mouth feel a bit drier than usual. Staying hydrated and choosing water over sugary drinks can help keep things comfortable. The good news is that this sensation is usually temporary, and simple habits can make a big difference. With a little adjustment, you can stay comfortable and keep moving confidently toward your smile goals.

How to Manage These Symptoms

To sum up, most of these clear aligner sensations are temporary and part of the normal adjustment process. Here are a few simple habits that can help keep your treatment comfortable:

  • Give yourself time to adjust. Your mouth and speech naturally adapt within a few days of each new aligner set.
  • Stay consistent with wear time. Wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day keeps your teeth moving steadily and reduces discomfort.
  • Keep hydrated. Drinking water regularly helps ease dryness and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
  • Reach out when something feels off. If your aligners feel unusually loose, painful, or don’t sit properly, the Zenyum app makes it easy to get support from our team or your treating dentist.

These small habits can make your treatment smoother and more comfortable as your smile transforms.

A Beautiful Smile Lasts Forever

Start your journey to straight teeth and greater confidence with Zenyum!

Stylized Link Example

Read more: A Quick and Easy Guide to Wearing and Removing Your Zenyum Invisible Braces

Start Your Journey Today

How to get started with Zenyum Aligners

Start your Smile Check

Answer a few questions, and take four teeth pictures. It only takes a few minutes!

Book an appointment

Receive a call from us to schedule your dentist appointment

Visit your dentist

You’ll have 3D scans and X-rays taken of your teeth by your dentist

Approve your plan

Give the green light for your Zenyum aligners to go into production after approved by your dentist.