It’s fair to say that patients have a lot of questions about braces. Maybe the most meaningful of which is simply, will it hurt? The Lifetime Orthodontics team is here to give you some information (and reassurance) about whether or not orthodontics is painful.
Understanding Orthodontic Sensations
It’s only natural that as your teeth move and shift, you’ll be able to feel it to some degree. Here are a few facts about the sensations everyone experiences with an orthodontic appliance:
1. The Role of Orthodontic Forces: Braces and Invisalign aligners apply continuous pressure to the teeth, stimulating the bone in such a way that they’ll be able to reshape. This is how your teeth gradually shift into alignment. The difference is that braces are fixed in place for the duration of treatment and manually adjusted, whereas Invisalign accomplishes alignment through a series of removable trays.
2. Why Your Teeth Feel Sore: When orthodontic appliances put pressure on your teeth, it temporarily restricts blood flow in the periodontal ligament, which can cause mild inflammation and soreness. Your body then responds by remodeling the bone, allowing the teeth to move.
3. Adjustments and Aligner Changes: Each time you have an adjustment appointment or switch to a new aligner set, you may feel mild tenderness for a short period. This sensation is a positive sign that your treatment is working as expected!
The Truth About How Braces Feel
In addition to the ultimate misconception—that braces are always unbearably painful—some misinformed ideas can mess with your expectations a little bit. Let’s clear the air!
Myth: Braces must be painfully tight to work.
- Fact: Braces do not need to be overly tight to operate properly. When Dr. Wesley makes manual adjustments to your braces, he carefully calculates the amount of pressure needed to move your teeth without causing unnecessary pain.
Myth: If braces are uncomfortable, it means something is wrong.
- Fact: Remember that some level of discomfort is normal and expected, especially following adjustments at Lifetime Orthodontics. Sometimes, this can be solved by minor adjustments during a short visit. However, severe or prolonged pain is not normal—and you should never ignore it.
Myth: Braces will constantly cause mouth sores and irritation.
- Fact: Using orthodontic wax, practicing good oral hygiene, and following Dr. Wesley’s care instructions can help manage and minimize any irritation that you encounter. It shouldn’t happen on a frequent basis or to a debilitating extent.
Insider Tips for Comfort
Everyone has some tricks up their sleeve for managing their treatment—and we want to share some of this valuable knowledge with you! And remember that our team is always a call away if you have more specific concerns.
- Use a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush: A soft, gentle brush helps keep your teeth clean without adding extra pressure. Avoid brushing your teeth too hard with braces.
- Stock Up on Orthodontic-Friendly Snacks: Keep soft, braces-friendly foods like applesauce, eggs, and oatmeal on hand to make eating easier. You won’t always experience soreness, but having some gentle items in the pantry just in case is a wise move.
- Keep a Travel Kit: Pack a small bag to carry with you on the go, containing orthodontic wax, a small toothbrush, floss threaders, pain relievers, and lip balm for on-the-go comfort. For kids, you can decorate the kit to their liking. You can also ask us for ideas about more helpful items!
- Rinse with Cold Water: A quick cooling rinse can help reduce inflammation and relieve minor soreness.
- Try Silicone Covers for Brackets: If your braces are causing persistent irritation, ask about silicone covers that can create an extra layer of protection between your brackets and the inside of your mouth.
Discomfort vs. Pain
We mentioned earlier that prolonged, serious pain is never something to let slide. If you experience the following symptoms, please contact our team as soon as you can:
- Persistent Sores or Ulcers: You may occasionally develop an ulcer or a sore from the friction of your braces—but if they’re recurrent and not healing, we might need to take a closer look.
- A Broken Part: If a bracket becomes loose or wire starts poking your cheek, contact us to get it fixed! It may seem like a simple fix, but repairs should only happen in the office.
- Excessive Gum Swelling or Bleeding: This could indicate issues with your oral hygiene or an underlying problem that warrants attention.
The Provider of a Lifetime
Whatever obstacles you may encounter with your braces, rest assured that there isn’t anything we can’t handle at Lifetime Orthodontics! We’ve got your back. Come see us soon in Clinton Township or Grosse Pointe.