One of the most commonly asked questions about braces is whether placing them causes any pain or discomfort.
Nowadays, the experience and comfort of the braces is quite different, many different options allow them to be comfortable, fun, and effective.
In this blog, we will uncover some misconceived perceptions of getting braces.
Disclaimer: One important factor to consider while going through this blog is that the discomfort and other issues you face when you get braces heavily rely on your own maintenance of your braces.
Does it Hurt When You Get Braces?
Every patient is different and as such has a different experience with braces.
The process of getting the braces attached to your teeth does not hurt at all. so there is no reason to be anxious about your first appointment when your braces are placed.
The first few days after getting braces cause mild discomfort. When the wire around the brackets are engaged, it adjusts your teeth with the braces. Most patients experience some discomfort the first 4 days to a week after their braces; however, there are some tips and tricks to decrease this discomfort.
After about a month, the discomfort subsides and your braces should feel comfortable. The next time you would feel discomfort is during your regular orthodontic appointments when they are tightened, but this discomfort is much less than the initial placement of the braces.
Why Do Braces Hurt?
Braces are a new addition to the environment of your mouth, so it takes them time to adjust before settling in.
When braces start adjusting your teeth, you may feel some soreness in your teeth.
This pain is caused due to the tightness of the braces adjusting your teeth and bringing them to their correct positions. This means the braces are slowly pulling the teeth and their roots. Depending on your particular case, this can take 6 months to 2 years or even more.
This is why it’s extremely important that you comply with the instructions given to you by your orthodontist regarding your braces. This will ensure that your treatment is completed in a timely manner.
You can absolutely try eating and drinking cold things to relieve that discomfort and soreness. You could also take some over the counter medication for relief.
Do Braces Hurt the First Day?
This is an extremely common question asked by patients. The simple answer is yes. Sometimes, patients experience some discomfort associated with placing the braces on your teeth.
The process of actually attaching the brackets to your teeth generally does not cause any pain. However, attaching the bands to the back molars can be temporarily uncomfortable due to some pressure involved and might cause pinching but it shouldn’t be “painful”.
After a few hours, the gentle pressure of the braces on your teeth to pull them into alignment can cause discomfort which could last from anywhere from 4 days to about a week.
Sometimes the brackets rub against the insides of your cheeks, which could cause some discomfort. The pain typically lessens in a few days.
The fun part is you get to eat a lot of ice cream and drink a lot of cold beverages to relieve the pain!
What to Expect When Getting Braces?
There are a few things you should expect in the first week after the braces are placed, including:
- Sore gums
- Scrapes or soreness on the inside of the cheeks due to the friction caused by continuous rubbing against them
- Potential for abrasions and cuts on tongue
- Soreness in teeth especially while eating
The Process of Getting Braces
The first step is to seat you comfortably. Then the orthodontist will slip in a device that will keep your tongue in place and mouth dry. The teeth are then dried and brought to the condition to start bonding.
The braces will be placed on the teeth with the help of an adhesive. After that, an arching wire will be placed through the brackets and the orthodontist will tighten them to hold the wire in place with the help of ligature bands.
Is It Necessary to Get Braces Tightened?
For braces to work properly, you need to get them tightened periodically.
When tightening your braces, you will likely feel a bit of discomfort.
However, some patients only feel pain in teeth and gums and the same techniques listed above could be used to relieve the pain.
When your orthodontist tightens the braces, they may:
- replace the current wires
- place or tighten springs
- tighten bands on the braces causing pressure on the teeth
Can I Eat or Drink Anything with Braces?
You should be careful when selecting foods and drinks. Consider taking smaller bites. You should eat soft and well-cooked food. Hard, sticky, gummy, or chewy foods can loosen your braces and they could fall off. In case of emergencies, you should make an appointment with your orthodontist immediately.
Does Wearing Braces Affect Your Daily Routine?
Yes, braces will change your daily hygiene routine. Braces demand extra time for cleaning and maintenance.
While going through braces treatment, you should be brushing and flossing daily with extra care. You should try not to be too rigid in your movements. There are special mouth cleaners to be used when wearing braces to help your mouth keep fresh and healthy.
Are Braces Expensive?
The cost of braces depends on which appliances and how long your treatment will be. This will depend on the complexity of the orthodontic problems you may be facing.
When you visit us for your initial, free consultation, you will receive this information. Our orthodontist will assess the condition of your mouth and provide a plan of treatment. Afterwards, our treatment coordinator will go over the costs of the treatment and a possible payment plan.
Check out the braces cost!
If you have additional questions regarding getting braces, maintaining your braces, or how much they cost, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or walk right in!
