If you require braces, you probably want to know if they will hurt. Today, our Brandon dentists share ways you can prevent pain during and after your braces treatment.
Braces as a Cosmetic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment (using braces or clear aligners) is a serious dental treatment that involves a significant investment of time and effort. Orthodontic treatment is needed to fix a range of oral health problems, including misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
But, braces treatment could also offer significant cosmetic benefits; specifically, a straighter, more symmetrical smile. Lots of people use braces to correct minor misalignments that aren't causing them any discomfort or inconvenience but do make them feel a bit self-conscious.
Are you thinking about straightening your teeth for primarily cosmetic purposes? You are probably wondering if the treatment is painful and whether the pain is worth it.
Do Braces Hurt?
A common question people have about braces is 'Do braces hurt?
Our honest answer is always that the application itself won’t hurt, but you may feel some mild pain or discomfort after the brackets are joined to the orthodontic wire.
Many people experience some soreness or discomfort for the first few days after their braces are placed, or their brackets or wires are adjusted. Getting braces is a big change for your mouth, and your cheeks and lips may need a couple of weeks to get used to moving around them.
You’ll be relieved to know that the appliances and wires orthodontists use are modern, and designed to exert light, gradual, continuous pressure on your teeth so as not to cause undue pain.
How to Alleviate Pain or Discomfort
Below we've shared some tips to help relieve any soreness or discomfort you might experience during those first few days after your braces are applied or adjusted:
Eat softer foods
You might want to keep softer foods on hand to eat after appointments and when your teeth are sore or sensitive after your braces are removed. Think soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni, and cheese - anything that will help you avoid having to bite or crunch down with sensitive teeth.
Use special wax or silicone
Your teeth and mouth are getting accustomed to being realigned - and to having braces, elastic ties, and archwires to deal with. Special relief wax or silicone can be applied over your braces to create a smooth surface and help relieve any irritation on your inner lips and cheeks.
Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Killer
Once your braces are taken off for good, it’s not unusual to experience some soreness on your teeth or in your mouth. Some people find over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen - contained in Advil, Motrin, and other brands - helps relieve any soreness (just ensure you are not allergic to any medication you may take).
Apply an Ice Pack or Drink Cold Water
Cold temperatures can do wonders for braces pain relief. Reduce inflammation by applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. You can also drink a nice, cold glass of ice water to numb the area.
Though you may feel some discomfort in the days after braces are placed or adjusted, this should quickly fade.