Your Napanee Invisalign® Provider
Wondering if it hurts to have braces? Our dentists in Napanee share how you can avoid pain during and after having braces.
Braces as a Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Orthodontic treatment (using braces or clear aligners) is a serious form of dental treatment that involves a significant investment of time and effort. People opt to have orthodontic treatment to correct a range of oral health disorders and conditions, including misalignments in the teeth and jaw.
That said, there are also cosmetic reasons that may motivate people to choose treatment with braces: specifically, a more symmetrical, straighter smile. Many people use braces to correct minor misalignments that don't cause them any inconvenience or discomfort, but which do make them feel a little self-conscious.
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth primarily for cosmetic purposes, you might be wondering if the treatment will be painful, and whether the team is worth it.
Does having braces hurt?
One of the most common questions patients who are anxious about getting braces ask is, 'Do braces hurt'
The honest answer is always that the application itself won't hurt. However, you may feel some mild discomfort or pain after the brackets are joined with the orthodontic wire.
Many patients experience some discomfort or soreness for the first few days after braces are placed, or after their wires or brackets are adjusted. Since getting braces is a big change for your mouth, your lips and cheeks might need a couple of weeks to adapt to moving around them.
You'll be relieved to know that the wires and appliances we use are modern, and designed to exert continuous, light, gradual 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 soreness or discomfort you may be feeling in those first few days after your braces are applied or adjusted:
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 teeth and mouth are getting used to being realigned - and to having braces, elastic ties and archwires to contend with. Special relief wax or silicone can be applied over your braces to create a smooth surface and help relieve any irritation on your inner lips and cheeks.
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 braces pain relief. Reduce inflammation by applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. You can also drink a nice, cold glass of ice water to numb the area.
Though you may feel some discomfort in the days after braces are placed or adjusted, this should quickly fade.