Getting braces is a significant step towards a healthier, straighter smile. While a perfectly aligned bite is exciting, many wonder about the discomfort. Soreness is a common and expected part of the process, indicating your teeth are beginning to shift. Understanding the typical timeline and nature of this discomfort can help patients feel more prepared and at ease.
The Initial Adjustment Period
Immediately after braces are placed, soreness and tenderness are common as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. This initial discomfort typically begins within hours, often peaking between 24 to 48 hours later. For most, the most intense soreness subsides within three to five days, gradually diminishing over the first week to ten days. This sensation, often described as a dull ache or pressure, results from the gentle, consistent force braces apply, initiating tooth movement.
Beyond the teeth, soft tissues like your cheeks, lips, and tongue may also experience irritation. These tissues need time to adapt to the brackets and wires, which can cause tenderness or small sores. While this irritation can be uncomfortable, it generally lessens as your mouth becomes accustomed to the braces. This initial adjustment period is temporary, and discomfort indicates active orthodontic treatment.
Easing Discomfort
Several practical strategies can help manage soreness after getting braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can effectively reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Taking a dose before or shortly after an adjustment appointment can help preempt or lessen the severity of the soreness. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheeks can also help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary relief.
Eating soft foods is particularly helpful during periods of soreness, as hard or crunchy foods can aggravate tender teeth. Opt for options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soups that require minimal chewing. For irritation caused by brackets or wires rubbing against soft tissues, orthodontic wax can provide a protective barrier. This non-toxic wax can be molded over the offending part of the brace, creating a smooth surface that reduces friction and allows any sores to heal. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with warm salt water, can further soothe irritated gums and promote healing.
Soreness After Routine Adjustments
Beyond the initial period, patients typically experience discomfort after routine orthodontic adjustments. During these appointments, the orthodontist alters the braces by tightening or changing archwires, reapplying pressure to continue tooth movement. This renewed pressure can cause soreness, though it is generally less intense and shorter-lived than the discomfort felt when the braces were first placed.
Soreness following routine adjustments typically lasts one to three days. This discomfort is a normal and expected part of the treatment process, indicating that teeth are continuing to shift. Some individuals might also experience soreness from new appliances or if a wire begins to poke after an adjustment. Over time, as treatment progresses, soreness after adjustments tends to lessen.
When to Seek Orthodontic Help
While some discomfort is normal, certain signs indicate a problem requiring professional attention. Contact your orthodontist if you experience severe or persistent pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies. Pain that intensifies or lasts for more than a week after initial placement or an adjustment should be evaluated.
Other scenarios that warrant contacting your orthodontist include broken or loose brackets or wires, as these can cause significant irritation or hinder treatment. If a wire is protruding and causing constant irritation unmanageable with orthodontic wax, it should be addressed. Signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or unusual bleeding around the gums, also require immediate attention.