Do Braces Hurt

One of the most commonly asked questions among teens who are faced with getting traditional braces installed on their teeth is, “Do braces hurt?” While the truth is that every patient’s experience is going to be different, and measuring the answers of “do braces hurt or not?” will vary, there are some common answers we can give.

 

Every procedure of orthodontic treatment begins with the installation of the brackets and wires.In general, a dentist or orthodontist will tell you that braces do not hurt. Dental cement is used to glue brackets to teeth, elastic bands hold a wire in place; these tend to be easy steps that any dentist can complete without causing much pain. You see, the placement procedure is very straightforward and patients find that it isn’t until after the braces are on that pain begins. Most of the pain infamously connected with braces has to do with the pressure caused by the arch wire, which applies continuous pressure, causing the teeth to move.

 

Why does it hurt at this point? It’s because the teeth are getting used to the new pressure that is exerted by the wires, causing them to move. Some orthodontists say that the pain is simply the imperfections leaving the smile.

 

Most patients who experience pain following the placement of their brackets and wires will note that it is not a sharp pain. The pain caused by pressure on the teeth may cause headaches or a dull ache that can be treated with over the counter painkillers. During the time when your teeth are sensitive after the braces are installed and after any adjustments, it is helpful to eat only soft foods so that you don’t cause unnecessary pain. It should only take a few days for the teeth to move sufficiently that the pressure from the wire is relieved; that is, until the return trip where the braces are tightened or adjusted with a new wire of increased tensile strength.

 

It may be good to measure personally for yourself how much your braces hurt when they are adjusted. This way you can know if something is out of the ordinary after a visit to the orthodontist. If you find yourself wondering “do braces hurt this long normally?” The only way to measure is against your own previous experience. If you are experiencing pain, or there is more pain than normal, you can try saltwater rinses or chewing gum to help release the pressure. Don’t be afraid to call the orthodontist if you’re worried something is wrong.

 

There should never be any pain when braces are removed from the surface of your teeth. Though there is pressure, you can ask your friends who have had braces, “does it hurt when they are removed?” Most people will tell you it just felt a little strange as the brackets pop off. After the brackets are off, the dentist should carefully remove the left over cement, but this should also be pain free.
Though there is a lot of hype over the pain that braces cause, if you eat the right foods and use wax to cover any pieces of the wire that might be agitating your cheeks and lips, you really shouldn’t have any pain that isn’t manageable, and in the end you’ll be ecstatic about your new smile.