Still on the fence about getting braces thinking they might hurt?

Braces shouldn’t cause pain. But every person is different. Your experience can vary depending on the type of braces applied to your teeth, what stage you are in your treatment, and your tolerance level for discomfort.

It helps to know what to expect before, during, and after placing braces. Adjustment is necessary, and, as you go along, you’ll find any discomfort easier to manage.

Getting braces placed on your teeth

Braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth to move them to their desired position. Over time, the jaw shape and facial profile conforms to the changes in your teeth alignment. 

When your orthodontist places your braces, you might not feel any discomfort. Part of the process is putting bands around your back molars, which may feel uncomfortable because of the pressure. 

The discomfort may also start to set in after a few hours as you experience tightness in your teeth. This could last for a day up to a week.

Eating can take time as you’re still getting used to your braces. Chewing can bring discomfort, so it helps to avoid hard or crunchy food in the meantime.

Speaking may also feel a bit awkward with a new appliance in your mouth.

On your first week of wearing braces

Braces put stress on your teeth, and this causes soreness. On your first week with your braces on, here are more things you can expect:

• Your tongue may get cut if you tend to feel your braces with it.
• You may also see sores on your cheeks and lips as the brackets rub against them.
• You may have sore gums as your mouth is still adjusting to the pressure.
• Your teeth may continue to feel a bit sore when eating and chewing.

Your teeth are starting to realign, so hang in there. Your orthodontist will provide you with silicone wax that you can apply to your brackets or wire ends to protect your lips and inner cheeks. 

You may also take over-the-counter medications as prescribed by your dental team to relieve the discomfort. Warm salt water rinses may also reduce soreness.

After a week of getting your braces placed

Any discomfort related to your braces should have improved after a week. You’re slowly getting used to them, and you can start adding more food choices to your diet. 

You might be indulging in your favorite hard or crunchy dishes again, although they may still need some work. To avoid damaging your braces, make it a habit to break down food into small chunks.

During periodic tightening of your braces

You must see your orthodontist periodically, often once a month, for brace adjustment. 

The elastic bands around the teeth are replaced and tightened to add pressure to your teeth. Your progress is also evaluated. This part can be thrilling for younger children as they get to choose the band color they want. 

On the other hand, periodic brace adjustments may make you feel like getting braces again, for the first time. The difference is that your mouth has already adjusted, so you may only feel sore around your teeth and gums. But you’ll be able to eat, chew, and speak as usual.

Relieving discomfort while wearing braces

Today's dental braces come with lighter and more comfortable materials. Although discomfort is unavoidable, it'll subside in a few days or as soon as you acclimate yourself to your braces.

Here are some tips to ease soreness in your mouth.

• Use an ice pack.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief medications.
• Rinse with warm saltwater.
• Massage your gums gently.
• Apply orthodontic wax.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Know more about getting braces in Kitchener, ON

While braces can cause discomfort, the results are well worth the effort. And you won't go through the journey alone. Your dental team will help make it as pleasant as possible. 

At Orthodontic Smile Studio, we understand patients have varying thresholds for pain. We educate you about what happens throughout your treatment process and offer support where needed.

Braces are effective in enhancing the form and function of your teeth. And we love witnessing how this procedure can change a smile and a person's life, altogether. 

If you're in Kitchener, ON, and have more questions about how braces work and what you can expect from them, contact us today at (226) 929-8983 .

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