Many people wonder if getting braces hurts, from initial placement to subsequent adjustments. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate concerns. This article clarifies the experience, focusing on discomfort levels and how to manage them.
Initial Placement Discomfort
The actual process of having braces placed on your teeth is generally not painful in a sharp or acute sense. Orthodontists first clean and dry your teeth thoroughly. Next, a special adhesive is applied to each tooth, and the brackets are carefully positioned. Finally, a thin archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic bands or ties. You might feel some temporary pressure as brackets are attached and wires are placed. No needles, drilling, or numbing injections are involved during this stage of the procedure.
Post-Placement Pain and Adjustment
While the application itself is not painful, discomfort usually begins a few hours after the braces are placed and can last for several days. This discomfort is often described as a dull ache or tenderness in the teeth and gums, particularly when biting or chewing. The primary reason for this pain is the consistent, gentle pressure applied by the braces, which initiates the process of tooth movement and bone remodeling. Your mouth, including your cheeks, lips, and tongue, will need time to adjust to the new hardware. It is common to experience irritation or small sores as soft tissues rub against the brackets and wires. This initial soreness typically subsides within about a week.
Managing Discomfort
Several methods can help alleviate the discomfort experienced after braces are placed or adjusted:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often recommended to manage the aches.
Eating soft foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, or smoothies, can minimize stress on your teeth and gums during the initial adjustment period.
Orthodontic wax can be applied to cover any brackets or wires that are irritating the inside of your cheeks, lips, or tongue, creating a protective barrier.
Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can also help soothe sore spots and reduce inflammation.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your jaw can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
Life with Braces
After the initial adjustment, discomfort lessens as your mouth adapts. While minor soreness might occur after routine adjustments, such as tightening wires or changing bands, this discomfort is generally less severe and shorter-lived than the initial pain, often lasting only a few days. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important throughout the treatment, which includes regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets. It is also advisable to avoid certain hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the braces or become lodged in them.