Getting braces is a significant step towards achieving a straighter smile, and it is common to have concerns about potential discomfort. While some soreness is a normal part of the process, it is manageable and temporary. Understanding what to expect can help make the experience smoother.
The Initial Feeling
The sensations experienced immediately after braces are first applied involve a feeling of pressure and tightness. This occurs as the orthodontic wires begin to exert gentle force on the teeth, initiating their movement. This discomfort starts a few hours after the appointment and lasts for a few days, described as a dull ache in the teeth and gums.
The soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the cheeks and lips, can feel irritated as they adjust to the new hardware. The metal brackets and wires rub against these delicate areas, causing small sores or tenderness. This initial adjustment period subsides as the mouth adjusts.
Life with Braces: Adjustments and Daily Sensations
Throughout the treatment period, ongoing discomfort occurs, especially after adjustment appointments. When wires are tightened or elastics are changed, a similar but less intense soreness or pressure returns for a few days. This discomfort is a sign that the teeth are shifting into their desired positions.
Other common daily sensations include irritation from wires poking or brackets rubbing against the inside of the mouth. Tenderness when biting down on certain foods is common, particularly after adjustments. While these sensations are noticeable, they are temporary and manageable as the mouth adjusts.
Easing Discomfort
To manage discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective. Taking these medications as directed, perhaps an hour before an adjustment appointment, helps reduce anticipated soreness. The cold from ice packs applied to the outside of the jaw also helps numb the area and reduce inflammation.
Eating soft foods, like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, is recommended, especially during periods of increased sensitivity. This reduces pressure on the teeth and gums. Rinsing with warm salt water soothes sore spots and promotes healing of irritations inside the mouth.
Orthodontic wax provides a physical barrier between the braces and the sensitive tissues of the mouth. A small piece is rolled into a ball and flattened, then gently pressed onto any bracket or wire that causes irritation. This creates a smooth surface, reducing friction and allowing sores to heal.
The Braces Removal Process
The process of removing braces is not painful, though it involves distinct sensations. Orthodontists use a specialized tool to gently release each bracket from the tooth surface, which patients describe as a feeling of pressure or a slight popping sound. This detachment does not involve pulling the teeth.
After the brackets are removed, any remaining adhesive is polished away from the tooth surfaces, which creates a sensation similar to a dental cleaning. Teeth can feel sensitive or “slippery” immediately afterward because they are no longer covered by brackets and are adjusting to being fully exposed. This sensitivity is temporary and fades within a few days to a week as they adapt.