If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or other orthodontic issues that detract from your smile, you might be considering traditional braces. However, one thing that could be making you skeptical about committing to this life-changing treatment is the possibility of pain or discomfort. But you have nothing to fear; this tried-and-true option isn’t meant to harm you, and comfortable navigating the process isn’t tough! Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you get your braces, along with a few useful tips for minimizing your soreness during those first few days.
What to Expect When You Get Your Braces
When braces are initially placed on your teeth, you actually won’t feel any outright pain at all. You might feel a bit of discomfort as your orthodontist works, and you’ll need to keep your mouth open for extended intervals while the brackets are carefully arranged on your teeth. However, they’ll be sure to give you frequent breaks and check on how you’re doing throughout the process; your comfort is a priority, after all!
They’ll start by drying your teeth to ensure a proper bond, and then they’ll apply a special gel that’s meant to attach the metal brackets. Finally, the archwire is threaded through the brackets and any final adjustments are made. Again, this shouldn’t hurt—but the pressure from the adjustments might feel awkward, and it will typically lead to soreness and discomfort the following week or so as your teeth begin slowly moving into healthier positions.
Tips for Minimizing Braces-Related Discomfort
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to find relief for the achy teeth caused by wearing braces. Some great at-home remedies include:
· Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Cold compresses might also be helpful.
· Rinsing with warm salt water to assist with inflammation.
· Sticking to a soft foods diet with plenty of options that are easy to chew—or things you don’t have to chew at all like smoothies and protein shakes.
· Avoid acidic foods and drinks, as these can actually cause further irritation to an already-sensitive mouth.
· If your discomfort is related to brackets irritating your soft oral tissues, consider using orthodontic wax.
· Be patient; the first few days will be the toughest, but after a week or two you’ll become accustomed to the brackets and wires and they won’t bother you nearly as much!
Having straight teeth means more than having a beautiful smile—it allows you to enjoy a correct bite and a lifetime of ideal oral health. That said, the small amount of initial discomfort associated with braces is a relatively small price to pay, and you’ll be happy you went through the process when you’re met on the other side with a beautiful, straight grin!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Hopkinton has proudly served patients and families in the Hopkinton, MA community for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services including traditional braces. We look forward to working with you and your family to help all of you achieve and maintain radiantly healthy smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a visit for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit us online for additional information. Telephone: (508) 435-1200.