Do Braces Hurt? How to Find Relief from Braces Pain
Many first time braces wearers find themselves asking: do braces hurt?
Anyone thinking about straightening their teeth with braces may have a few concerns. Whether you’re a parent considering braces for their kids or adult braces for yourself, you probably want an answer to the question, do braces hurt? The answer depends on several factors, as certain stages in your treatment may create more discomfort than others. So if you want to learn more about braces pain, along with recommendations for relief, keep on reading!
Do Braces Hurt While They’re Being Put On?
Do braces hurt when you get them? For most wearers, the answer is no
Don’t sweat your first braces appointment.
Some people are concerned about pain associated with getting braces attached to their teeth. In this case, you have no need to worry because there is virtually no pain involved with the application process. Your orthodontist will place bands around your back teeth to hold your braces in place, which could cause some temporary discomfort, but nothing to worry about during your initial appointment. All your provider has to do is attach your braces to your teeth and secure them with elastic bands — and you’re all set.
Do Braces Hurt in the First 24 Hours?
It is common to experience some discomfort as your teeth adjust to wearing braces
There are a lot of ways you can combat tooth pain caused by braces.
After you leave your initial appointment with your new braces, you will likely experience some discomfort in the hours and days afterward. Discomfort in your teeth and gums is completely normal, so there is no cause for concern. However, there are some ways that you can mediate the uncomfortable, teeth moving feeling. If you’re having trouble adjusting to your braces in the first few days, you can try these methods to relieve some of the pain:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Cold drinks
Smoothies
Ice cubes
It is also recommended that you stay away from crunchy or difficult to chew foods, as these foods are likely to exacerbate the pain you are already experiencing. Try these foods if you’re having discomfort in your teeth and gums:
Soup
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni and cheese
Yogurt
Soft fruits, like bananas
By sticking to softer food, you can give your teeth and gums some time to adjust before you start biting down on hard and crunchy foods.
Do Braces Hurt When They’re Tightened?
Since adjustments put additional pressure on your teeth, it is common to experience mild discomfort
Tightening your braces could lead to slight discomfort.
To properly fix alignment issues with your teeth, your braces have to be tightened on a monthly basis. When your teeth adjust to your braces, the tension decreases. When you visit the orthodontist every month or so, it is their job to tighten your braces and increase tension. That means that each time you get your braces tightened, you are one step closer to your ideal smile!
Sometimes these adjustments can lead to soreness afterward. The feeling is similar to when you first got your braces, but not as acute. Your pain after getting your braces adjusted should subside after a few days. If you’re feeling discomfort after an adjustment, you can use the techniques we outlined above to cut down on some of the pain.
It is also common to experience pain and soreness caused by your new braces, and particularly the tension wires, rubbing against your mouth and tongue. An easy remedy for this type of pain is to use wax for braces. When applied to the offending metal, dental wax can protect your mouth and gums and until your body adjusts to the abrasion.
Will My Teeth Hurt After Braces are Removed?
Do braces hurt after being removed? The answer is no, but that does not mean your smile journey is over
Remember to wear your retainer after your braces are removed!
If your braces removal day is approaching soon, congratulations! You’ve successfully straightened your teeth with braces. Removing braces does not cause any pain, except for maybe a slight pinch.
After your treatment is over, your orthodontist will recommend you wear a retainer after braces for several months. Retainers come with their own set of ways to prevent pain. Luckily, you can use the same strategies for pain relief that we have already discussed. Just remember to always remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water.
So, do braces hurt? The answer is that it depends. Most patients will experience more discomfort than pain and the discomfort is short lived and easily manageable. If you still have lingering questions about braces pain or Invisalign vs braces, you can always contact an orthodontist. At Legacy Orthodontics — Leesburg VA’s premier provider — we’ll answer all your questions, show you what your smile can look like, and assist you through every step of your teeth straightening process. For more information about straightening your teeth, schedule a free consultation with Legacy Orthodontics.