Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a straight, healthy smile, but discomfort is a common concern. If you're wondering why braces hurt and how to ease the pain, you're not alone. Understanding the discomfort caused by braces can help you prepare for the process and manage it effectively.
In this blog, we'll break down why braces hurt, when you’re most likely to feel discomfort, and practical tips for relief.
Why Braces Cause Pain
Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to your teeth, guiding them into the right alignment. This gradual movement is essential for straightening your teeth, but it can also lead to some soreness. Here's why:
Pressure and Tooth Movement: Braces push your teeth, which in turn affects the tissues, ligaments, and even the bone around them. This shifting is what causes the soreness in your teeth and gums, especially after your braces are first applied or tightened.
Sensitive Soft Tissues: The metal brackets and wires of braces may rub against the inside of your cheeks, lips, and gums. Until your mouth adapts, this can cause irritation.
Ligament Inflammation: As braces move your teeth, they stretch the ligaments that hold your teeth in place. This stretching causes mild inflammation, leading to discomfort.
When Braces Hurt the Most
There are specific times when pain from braces is more noticeable:
After Getting Braces: Your teeth, gums, and soft tissues need time to adjust. The first few days after getting braces are often the most uncomfortable.
Following Adjustments: Each time your orthodontist tightens or adjusts the braces, you may feel pressure and soreness for a few days. These adjustments are necessary to keep your treatment progressing.
Wires and Brackets Rubbing: Sometimes, parts of your braces may rub against your cheeks or lips, leading to irritation. This is especially common in the early days of treatment.
How to Relieve Braces Pain
While braces can hurt, the good news is the pain is usually temporary and manageable. Here are some effective ways to manage discomfort:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and soreness. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s advice for dosage.
Orthodontic Wax: Placing wax over the brackets and wires that rub against your cheeks or lips can protect sensitive tissues.
Saltwater Rinses: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe sore gums and help heal small sores caused by braces.
Stick to Soft Foods: After getting braces or an adjustment, soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are easier on your teeth. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate your mouth or damage your braces.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to your cheeks can reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Clean teeth and gums help prevent further inflammation that could make braces more uncomfortable.
Normal vs. Problematic Pain
Some discomfort is normal, but severe or persistent pain may indicate a problem. If you notice extreme pain, broken wires, loose brackets, or non-healing sores, contact your orthodontist right away. Unusual pain could signal that something isn't right, and your orthodontist can fix the issue quickly.
Conclusion
Braces are a powerful tool to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Whether you're considering braces in Tucson or elsewhere, some discomfort is part of the process, but it’s manageable with the right techniques. Understanding why braces hurt and how to relieve pain can make your orthodontic journey smoother. Remember, the temporary discomfort is worth the long-term results of a beautiful, straight smile. If you ever have concerns, our orthodontists always available to help with braces in Tucson, Rita Ranch, and Oro Valley.