Getting braces is a common orthodontic treatment for people of all ages. While the process of getting braces is painless, there may be some discomfort or pain after the braces are placed. This is normal and can be managed with the right care. When braces are first applied, there is no pain or discomfort.
However, after the orthodontic wire is placed in the newly placed brackets, some people may experience minor pain or discomfort that can last from a few days to a week. This is because the braces are guiding the teeth to their desired positions, which can cause some discomfort. In addition to this initial pain, people may also feel pain or discomfort while wearing their braces. This can be caused by the braces rubbing against the inside of the mouth or by part of the brace being inserted inside the mouth.
Pain after routine appointments is actually a sign that the braces are working and adjusting your teeth. Fortunately, most people only experience mild discomfort for a few days after their braces have been tightened. To help manage this pain, it's important to take care of your teeth with soft foods such as mashed potatoes and ice cream. Additionally, there are medications such as Advil and Orajel that can help relieve any pain or discomfort.
Oral anesthetics such as Orajel or Anbesol can also be used to desensitize your teeth and gums so you don't feel as much discomfort when your teeth are moving sharply. These anesthetics can be applied directly onto sensitive teeth and gums with a cotton swab or your finger. Pain with braces can be caused by a number of things, including changes in blood flow around the teeth and gums as the alignment changes. Some people may also experience soft tissue pain because of the supports or trays rubbing against their cheeks and gums.
While everyone's experience with braces is different, most people feel some pain for a few days when they first put on their braces and after tightening them. However, there are ways to manage this pain and make wearing braces more comfortable.
