Do braces really hurt? It is one of the most commonly asked questions that the dentists have to hear, whether getting braces on the teeth is painful or not. Well, the thrilling news is that it does not. However, this does not mean that the days to come are comfortable; read on to know the basic phenomenon and the relationship between pain and braces.
Do Braces Really Hurt That Much?
So, the actual orthodontic treatment – getting braces on itself is not painful; rather, the dentist uses a local anesthetic that numbs the entire area so you will feel nothing going on. However, its working phenomenon and functionality are what causes the pain.
Braces are one the primitive and most popular methods of straightening the teeth, especially traditional metal braces. They are the best at what they do; braces put pressure on the teeth through the metal wire and brackets.
Metal braces are fit for multiple severities, so the pressure depends on that, and so does the pain felt afterward. However, there is a piece of good news if your teeth require no drastic change so you can opt for modern aligners. They are custom made and fit for slight changes, and since they do not exert extra pressure, mild to moderate pain is felt.
Do Braces Hurt After Placement – For How Long?
After getting it on, you will feel some irritation and a pain impulse that is due to the wires putting a strong force on the teeth. Most of the time, this discomfort lasts for about 5 – 6 days to a maximum of 1 week. As time passes, the pain fades away gradually. Your cheek and surrounding areas, along with lips, may need some time adjusting to the new structure in their area.
Day 1 – Placement
The fixation process is not painful at all since your mouth is numb. But, right after this procedure is done and anesthesia wears off, your mouth will hurt a bit because of braces. You will gradually adjust to the change.
Day 2 – The Day After
The next 2 to 3 days may feel uneasy. The reason behind this is teeth realignment and changing direction of the bones, which will hurt a bit.
1 Week Later
After one week goes by, the pain fades off, and the oral cavity starts getting back to normal. Having meals gets easier, although it is very important that you make the right food choices. Any hard-to-chewy item will detach the braces.
Remedies to Ease Pain
Here are some things for reducing pain:
Cool Your Mouth
Did you know ice, creams, and cold water serve as an anesthetic? This may seem like a dream come true for some, but the effect is legitimate. After consuming such foods, the pain and inflammation reduce a considerable amount.
Eat Soft Semi-solid Food or Liquids
You should always go for items like a banana or potatoes that would not strain your mouth in the initial days, as hard candies or chewy edibles will detach the braces from the teeth resulting in pain.
Over The Counter Pain Killers
Painkillers are an effective relief source for the time being. We have multiple options like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc., available in the market.
Dental wax
Creating a barrier between the cheek and braces will reduce the wear and tear of the soft tissues. An orthodontic wax achieves this, and it acts as a guard, decreasing friction.
Final Take Out
Braces hurt after placement for some period, but it subsides gradually as well. All you should do is follow the retreats to relieve your discomfort. Get to know more about this treatment, talk to us at Texas Premier Dental at 281 206 0100