Initial Discomfort
When braces are first placed, soreness and pressure are common. This initial discomfort typically begins a few hours after the appointment and often lasts for three to seven days. The sensation arises because braces immediately apply gentle, consistent pressure, signaling the body to initiate bone remodeling, leading to a dull ache or throbbing.
During this period, soft tissues like the cheeks, lips, and tongue adapt to the new brackets and wires. Friction from the appliances can cause tenderness or small sores as these tissues become accustomed to their presence.
Discomfort After Adjustments
Following routine orthodontic adjustments, such as tightening wires or changing bands, patients will likely experience renewed soreness and pressure. These adjustments reactivate the forces needed to continue moving the teeth, stimulating bone remodeling. The discomfort usually lasts for a shorter duration compared to initial placement, typically subsiding within one to three days. The degree of soreness after an adjustment can vary based on the specific changes made and individual pain tolerance. Over time, many patients find that post-adjustment soreness becomes less intense, especially after the first few months of treatment.
Alleviating Brace Discomfort
Several methods can help manage discomfort from initial placement or subsequent adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Taking a dose before or shortly after an adjustment can help prevent discomfort from becoming pronounced.
Eating soft foods is highly recommended, especially during the first few days after getting braces or an adjustment. Foods requiring minimal chewing, like mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, or scrambled eggs, prevent added pressure on sensitive teeth. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods minimizes discomfort and protects braces from damage.
For irritation from brackets or wires rubbing against soft tissues, orthodontic wax provides a protective barrier. A small piece of wax can be rolled into a ball and pressed onto the offending part of the brace, creating a smooth surface that reduces friction and allows sore areas to heal.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can soothe sore gums and help heal minor cuts or sores. This solution, made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, should be swished for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheeks can help numb soreness and reduce inflammation. An ice pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth can be applied for 10-15 minutes at a time. Sipping cold water or sucking on ice chips can also provide a temporary numbing effect.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While some discomfort is normal, certain signs indicate professional attention might be necessary. Contact your orthodontist if pain is severe, unbearable, or does not subside within the expected timeframe. For instance, if initial discomfort lasts longer than a week, or post-adjustment soreness persists beyond a few days, it warrants a call.
Other indicators include visible issues with the braces. This could be a broken wire poking into the cheek or tongue, a loose bracket detached from a tooth, or a band that has come loose. Persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal with home remedies like orthodontic wax or salt water rinses should also be evaluated. Any signs of infection, such as swelling, excessive redness, or pus around the gums or teeth, require immediate attention. Difficulty eating or speaking beyond initial adjustment periods may also signal a problem requiring professional assessment.