Braces help achieve a healthier, straighter smile. Many individuals experience discomfort, a common and temporary aspect of the orthodontic journey. This soreness indicates that teeth are beginning their intended movement. Understanding this discomfort and its management can help make the experience more manageable.
Understanding Braces Discomfort
Braces achieve tooth movement by applying continuous, gentle force to the teeth. This pressure affects surrounding bone and soft tissues, which can lead to soreness and sensitivity as the body adapts. The force exerted by archwires, brackets, and elastic bands triggers a bone remodeling process. This involves the stretching of periodontal ligaments, initiating an inflammatory response similar to muscle soreness.
Beyond tooth movement, the physical presence of brackets and wires can cause irritation. These components may rub against delicate tissues inside the cheeks, lips, and gums, leading to tenderness or small sores. This irritation is common during initial placement or after adjustments, but it typically diminishes as the mouth adapts to the orthodontic appliances.
Typical Duration of Pain
The duration of discomfort from braces varies, depending on initial placement or a subsequent adjustment. When braces are first applied, patients experience soreness that begins a few hours after placement and typically lasts for 3 to 7 days. This initial discomfort is often a dull ache or throbbing sensation, resulting from pressure as teeth begin to shift. Some individuals may also experience sensitivity when chewing.
After routine adjustments, where the orthodontist tightens or replaces archwires, mild soreness is common. This discomfort usually lasts 1 to 3 days. The sensation is similar to initial discomfort but generally less intense as the mouth adapts to the braces. Discomfort after adjustments subsides quickly, and the mouth becomes accustomed to the appliances.
Strategies for Pain Relief
Several methods can help manage discomfort associated with braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce inflammation and pain. Taking a dose before or shortly after an adjustment can help mitigate soreness. Gels containing benzocaine can be applied directly to sore spots for temporary numbing.
Eating soft foods is recommended, especially after initial placement or adjustments, to minimize pressure on sensitive teeth.
Options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
Avoiding crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods can prevent further discomfort and potential damage. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheeks can numb soreness and reduce inflammation.
Orthodontic wax provides a physical barrier between the braces and the sensitive tissues of the mouth. A small piece of wax can be rolled into a ball and pressed onto any bracket or wire causing irritation, creating a smooth surface. Warm saltwater rinses can also soothe sore gums and minor mouth sores caused by friction. Dissolving a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swishing for about 30 seconds can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While some discomfort is a normal part of orthodontic treatment, certain signs indicate that professional attention may be necessary. Persistent severe pain that does not subside with home remedies or lasts longer than a few days warrants contacting the orthodontist. Pain accompanied by swelling, excessive redness, or pus around the gums could indicate an infection.
Issues with the braces, such as a broken wire or a loose bracket, necessitate a call to the orthodontist. A broken wire can poke the inside of the cheek or gums, causing irritation or sores. Loose brackets can cause uneven pressure, leading to discomfort or delaying treatment progress. If a wire is protruding or causing difficulty eating or speaking, professional adjustment is needed.