Are you wondering if having braces hurts? Here, our Markham dentists tell you how you can avoid pain both during and after having braces.
Braces as a Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign are serious dental treatments that involve significant investment from the patient of both time and effort. Orthodontic treatment are necessary when suffering from a number of different oral health disorders such as jaw or tooth misalignments.
However, treatment with braces can also have significant cosmetic benefits; specifically, a straighter, more symmetrical smile. Many people use braces to correct minor misalignments that don't cause them any discomfort or inconvenience, but which do make them feel a little self-conscious.
If you are considering straightening your teeth for cosmetic purposes, you may be wondering if this treatment is painful and whether the pain is even worth it.
Does having braces hurt?
One of the most common questions we get from patients who are anxious about getting braces is, 'Do braces hurt?
Our honest answer is always that the application itself won’t hurt, though you may feel some mild pain or discomfort after we join the brackets with the orthodontic wire.
Many patients will experience some soreness and discomfort throughout the early days of having their braces placed or after an adjustment. Getting braces is a big change for your mouth to adjust to and your lips and sheeks may also 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 discomfort or soreness that you may be feeling in the first few days after your braces are adjusted or applied.
Eat softer foods
You may want to stock up on softer foods to eat for after appointments and if your teeth are sore or sensitive after your braces are removed. Think soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese - anything that will help you avoid having to bite or crunch down with sensitive teeth.
Use special wax or silicone
Your mouth and teeth are getting used to being realigned as well as having elastics, brackets and wires to contend with. There is special silicone and relief wax that can be applied to your braces to create a smoother surface and to relieve any irritation on your inner cheeks and lips.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
After your braces are removed for good, it’s not unusual to feel some soreness on your teeth or in your mouth. Some patients find over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen - contained in Advil, Motrin and other brands - helps relieve any soreness (just ensure you are not allergic to any medication you may take).
Drink ice water or apply an ice pack
Cold temperatures can do wonders for relieving pain associated with braces. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth can help to reduce inflammation. You can also drinks cold glass of ice water to help numb the area.
Though you may feel some discomfort in the days after braces are placed or adjusted, this should quickly fade.
