Are you wondering if braces hurt?
As an orthodontic treatment, braces are among the best ways to straighten your teeth. Whether the dentist recommends one for you or your loved ones, they can show significant improvements. Nonetheless, there is some discomfort and pain associated with braces, which might make you wonder, ‘Do braces hurt?’
In this blog, we will explain all about braces pain, when it occurs, and what you can do about it. Continue reading to find out!
Types of Braces Pain: When Do Braces Hurt?
When you have misaligned teeth, dental braces can effectively straighten your smile. However, mild pain or discomfort is to be expected with braces, especially initially after you receive them. The pain, in general, lasts around a week. When braces are placed, they may rub against your cheek, causing swelling, soreness, and minor cuts, which could result in pain.
Braces are usually designed to prevent any pain. Still, the pressure and stress these orthodontic devices apply on your teeth to move them into new positions can be why your braces hurt. Here are some common instances when you might experience pain due to braces:
- The First Time Putting Braces On: When you receive your braces for the first time, expect to experience some pain. Since the procedure could last around a couple of hours, you will feel some tightening on the teeth as the wires are fixed in position. Moreover, the process of putting brackets in place will require you to keep your mouth open for a long time, causing discomfort.
- Getting Your Braces Tightened: Braces require regular adjustments, which means you will have to visit your orthodontist every two months or so. This may involve a feeling of firm pressure or stretching along with pain.
- Removing Braces: Once the treatment has reached its end, you will be called into the dental office for braces removal. Although you’ll not feel much pain, there is an odd sensation because your teeth have gotten used to the braces.
How to Relieve Pain from Braces
To wrap it up, braces themselves do not hurt. The pain and inflammation, however, can result in a sore feeling in the mouth. If this is the case, you can reduce braces pain by following these tips:
- Orthodontic Wax: The dental specialist applies orthodontic wax as a barrier between your mouth and the wires, which helps prevent discomfort during the treatment. You, too, can use it over sore areas like a lip balm to reduce pain.
- Pain Medications: You can consult your dentist for pain medications. Moreover, OTC pain medications also help with lingering pain; stop taking them once the discomfort goes away.
- Saltwater Solution: You can use a solution with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in lukewarm water to rinse your mouth. It helps alleviate pain in your lips, tongue, and the inner area of your cheeks while they become accustomed to braces.
- Soft Food Diet: The braces pain in the first week can be severe for some. Therefore, switching to a soft food diet, including soaps, yogurt, and more, helps reduce discomfort.
- Cold Compress: You can soothe your gums by applying an ice pack outside your mouth for 20 minutes. This helps reduce inflammation and pain due to braces.
How Long Do Braces Hurt?
Discomfort or pain in the first week of wearing braces is normal as your mouth adjusts to the change. You can expect the discomfort to subside within 4 to 5 days, whereas the braces pain lasts more than a week.
Takeaway
To answer, yes, braces do hurt in the first week. Since your mouth is still new to the orthodontic appliance, it will take some time to get used to. However, the pain subsides after a week or so. If you still feel discomfort, you can just try a few home remedies to alleviate braces pain fast.
At Mission Bend Family Dentistry, our mission is to provide you with painless and effective procedures to enhance your smile. Get started on your treatment today by dialing 832-895-5110 or visiting us at 7039 FM 1464, Suite 130, Richmond, TX 77407.