Between adult, children, and teenage patients, there’s often a universal concern about how badly orthodontic treatment will “hurt.” This idea of treatment being inherently painful isn’t exactly accurate, though. Mack Orthodontics is here to reveal the truth behind the question of whether or not orthodontic treatment is painful.
Some Sources of Discomfort
Change is rarely a totally comfortable experience. Your teeth are pretty firmly in place as they are, so it takes some strategic pressure and planning from Dr. Mack to transform them. Here are a few of the main sources of discomfort you can anticipate:
- Initial Placement: When you first get braces, your teeth, gums, and mouth need time to adjust. Your teeth begin shifting, and the pressure can cause soreness. Brackets and wires may feel foreign and slightly irritating inside your mouth.
- Tightening or Adjustments: Every few weeks, Dr. Mack adjusts the wires or replaces elastics to keep your teeth moving. These adjustments cause temporary soreness as your teeth shift into their new positions.
- Friction & Irritation from Brackets and Wires: The brackets and wires can rub against the delicate skin inside of your cheeks, lips, and tongue. If a wire becomes loose or pokes the inside of your mouth, it can cause irritation, especially if it happens repeatedly in the same areas.
Normal Discomfort vs. Abnormal Pain
There is a strong distinction to make between braces causing discomfort and braces causing pain. Keep note of the following, and consider the frequency and intensity of what you may feel.
What’s Normal?
- A slight tightness or pressure on your teeth
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Minor irritation on your cheeks and lips (especially with braces)
Most people will describe discomfort as a dull, achy soreness or pressure on their teeth. Some also experience gum tenderness.
What’s Not Normal?
- Sharp, stabbing pain that doesn’t improve
- Sores or cuts that don’t heal
- A broken bracket, wire, or aligner that’s causing discomfort
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
If you experience any severe pain, it’s important to call Mack Orthodontics quickly so we can address the issue in an appointment.
Tips for a More Comfortable Experience
If you do encounter discomfort or pain with your orthodontic treatment, most situations can be handled without too much trouble at home.
1. Utilize Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: A pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease soreness after an adjustment. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
2. Eat Soft Foods: Stick to foods that won’t exert extra pressure on your teeth. Smart options include:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
3. Use Orthodontic Wax: If brackets or wires are irritating your cheeks and lips, orthodontic wax can create a smooth barrier. Just apply a small piece to the troublesome spot for instant relief!
4. Rinse with Warm Salt Water: If your mouth feels irritated, a warm saltwater rinse can soothe soreness and help prevent infection. Mix a small spoonful of salt with a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit it out.
5. Try Cold Compresses or Ice Water: Applying a cold compress to your jaw or sipping ice water can help numb soreness and reduce localized inflammation.
FAQs About Orthodontic Pain
Q: Will my braces hurt less over time?
Answer: Yes, they should. As your teeth and mouth adjust, discomfort becomes much less frequent. Many patients at Mack Orthodontics barely notice their braces after a few months of wearing them. Remember, your mouth has to get used to the feeling of an orthodontic appliance and shifting teeth.
Q: Will removing my braces hurt?
Answer: No, getting your braces removed is usually painless. You might feel slight pressure as Dr. Mack will use a special tool to gently loosen and remove the brackets from your teeth. The adhesive that once held the brackets in place is then carefully scraped off, ensuring a smooth surface.
Q: Do rubber bands (elastics) for braces hurt?
Answer: Elastics are an additional component that may or may not be added to your braces, which can help for further alignment. They can cause mild soreness at first because they add extra pressure to move your bite into place. The pain usually subsides after a few days as your teeth adjust.
Comfy and Comprehensive Treatment
We hope that if potential pain has been a concern for you regarding orthodontic treatment, those worries have been resolved! Remember that your experience is based largely on the team taking care of you—and our team is one of the very best there is! We would love to see you soon in Burlington or Hillsborough for a free consultation.