If you need orthodontic treatment, you are probably wondering if braces will hurt. In this blog, our Orangeville dentists share ways you can prevent braces pain and offer tips on how you can help alleviate it.
Using Braces for Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Orthodontic treatments (such as braces or clear aligners) are a serious process that consists of a significant investment of effort and time. Orthodontic treatment is needed to fix a range of oral health conditions and disorders such as jaw and tooth misalignments.
On the other hand, braces could also offer you a handful of cosmetic benefits; specifically, a smile that is straighter and more symmetrical. Lots of people use brasses to help treat minor misalignments that don't result in any inconvenience or discomfort but do make them feel a bit self-conscious.
If you are considering straightening your teeth for primarily cosmetic purposes, you may be wondering if the treatment is painful and whether the pain is worth it.
Do Braces Hurt?
One of the most common questions people ask who are nervous about getting braces is, 'Do braces hurt?
The honest answer is that the application of the braces themselves won't hurt, but you may experience a bit of discomfort or pain after the brackets are connected 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 that are used are modern, and designed to exert light, gradual, continuous pressure on your teeth so they shouldn't cause undue pain.
Tips for Relieving Braces Pain & Discomfort
Below we have shared some tips you can use to help manage any discomfort or soreness you may experience during the first several days after your braces have been applied or adjusted:
Eat softer foods
You may want to add a lot of soft foods to your pantry that you can eat after your braces appointments or when your teeth are sensitive and sore after having your braces removed. Some food ideas include macaroni and cheese, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups - basically anything that will help you avoid the need to crunch or bite down with teeth that are sensitive.
Use dental wax or silicone
Your teeth and mouth are getting used to being realigned - and to having braces, elastic ties, and archwires to contend 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 over-the-counter pain medication
Following the removal of your braces, it’s not unusual to experience a bit of soreness on your teeth or in your mouth. Some people find over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen helps alleviate any soreness (just make sure don't have an allergy to the medications you might take).
Apply an ice pack of drink ice 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.