Braces are a common and effective method for straightening teeth and improving oral health. While some discomfort is a normal part of the process, it is manageable and temporary. Understanding the phases of pain, their causes, and how to alleviate them can help individuals navigate their orthodontic journey.
Initial Discomfort After Braces Placement
The period immediately following the initial placement of braces often brings the most noticeable discomfort. This sensation begins a few hours after the braces are bonded to the teeth. The primary reason for this initial pain is the new, continuous pressure applied to the teeth and the surrounding periodontal ligaments, which anchor teeth to the jawbone. This pressure signals the body to begin a bone remodeling process, leading to a dull ache or tenderness in the teeth and gums.
In addition to the pressure, the new orthodontic appliances, such as brackets and wires, can irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth. The cheeks, lips, and tongue may rub against the braces, potentially causing soreness or small abrasions. This irritation is common during the first few days as the mouth adapts to the new hardware. The initial discomfort usually subsides significantly within three to five days, though some lingering sensitivity might persist for up to a week. During this time, eating can be challenging, and individuals may find their teeth particularly sensitive to biting pressure.
Pain Following Adjustments
After initial placement, patients have regular adjustment appointments, every four to eight weeks. These adjustments involve tightening or changing archwires, reactivating the forces that move teeth. This reapplication of pressure causes soreness, similar to initial discomfort, but it is less intense and shorter in duration.
Pain after adjustments lasts for a shorter period, often one to three days. Teeth and gums may feel tender as they respond to renewed forces, and some individuals might experience sensitivity when chewing. While the process reintroduces pressure, the mouth adapts to the braces, which contributes to reduced severity and duration of discomfort compared to the first week.
Relieving Discomfort
Managing discomfort associated with braces can significantly improve the orthodontic experience. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are effective in reducing soreness and inflammation. Taking these medications as directed provides relief, especially during peak discomfort periods after initial placement or adjustments.
Eating soft foods helps minimize pain, particularly when teeth are sensitive to biting pressure. Foods like mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, and soft pasta are good choices, as they require less chewing and reduce strain.
Orthodontic wax provides a physical barrier between braces and soft tissues, preventing irritation and allowing sores to heal. A small piece of wax can be rolled into a ball and pressed onto any bracket or wire causing discomfort.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution soothes irritated gums and helps heal minor sores from braces rubbing against cheeks or lips. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw reduces swelling and numbs the area, providing additional relief.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While some discomfort is a normal part of orthodontic treatment, certain symptoms warrant contacting an orthodontist. Persistent or severe pain that does not subside after a week, or pain that worsens despite home remedies, should be evaluated. This prolonged or intense discomfort could indicate an underlying issue needing professional attention.
Other signs requiring professional consultation include loose or broken brackets, or a wire that has come loose and is poking into the cheek or gum. These mechanical issues can cause significant irritation and impede treatment progress if not addressed promptly.
Additionally, any significant sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within a reasonable timeframe require attention. Signs of infection, such as swelling, excessive redness, or pus around the gums, also necessitate immediate orthodontic assessment.