If your dentist told you that you need braces, you might be wondering if they will hurt. Today our dentists in Whitehorse share tips on how you can avoid experiencing or manage any pain you might feel with braces.
Braces as a Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners are significant investments for both effort and time but, they may be needed to help a handful of oral health conditions and disorders such as misalignments of the teeth or jaws.
However, orthodontic braces could have various cosmetic benefits; specifically, a more symmetrical and straighter smile. Lots of people use braces to help fix minor misalignments that don't cause them any inconvenience or discomfort but do make them feel a bit self-conscious.
If you are considering braces to help you straighten your smile for cosmetic purposes, you might be wondering if the treatment will be painful or if the outcomes will be worth the pain.
Does having braces hurt?
One of the most common questions asked by patients that are nervous about having braces is, 'Do braces hurt?
Dental professionals typically answer this question honestly by saying the process of having the braces applied won’t hurt, but you could feel some minor pain or discomfort after the brackets are joined with the orthodontic wire.
Many patients experience some soreness or discomfort for the first few days after their braces are placed, or their brackets or wires are adjusted. Getting braces is a big change for your mouth, and your cheeks and lips may need a couple of weeks to get used to moving around them.
You’ll be relieved to know that the appliances and wires we use are modern, and designed to exert light, gradual, continuous pressure on your teeth so as not to cause undue pain.
What can I do to relieve any pain or discomfort?
Here are some tips to help relieve any soreness or discomfort you may be feeling in those first few days after your braces are applied or adjusted:
Try eating soft foods
We recommend stocking up on softer foods that you can eat after your appointments and for when your teeth are sensitive or sore after getting your braces removed. Some examples of soft foods include soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, as well as anything that will help you avoid biting or crunching down with sensitive teeth.
Use dental wax or silicone
Your teeth and mouth are getting used to being realigned - and to having braces, elastic ties, and archwires to contend with. Special relief wax or silicone can be applied over your braces to create a smooth surface and help relieve any irritation on your inner lips and cheeks.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
After having your braces permanently removed, it’s common for your teeth or mouth to feel a little sore. Some patients find over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen can help alleviate the discomfort (just make sure you aren't allergic to any medications you take).
Apply an ice pack or drink ice water
Cold temperatures can do wonders for braces pain relief. You can help reduce inflammation by applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. You can also drink a nice, cold glass of ice water to numb the area.
Though you may feel some discomfort in the days after braces are placed or adjusted, this should quickly fade.