One of the most commonly asked questions about dental braces is, Do braces Hurt? Can they cause any pain or discomfort? The honest answer is that braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to the teeth, so there is no reason to be anxious. In most cases, there is mild soreness or discomfort after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the brackets. This sensation may last for a few days.
Fixed Braces (Ceramic or Metal)
There are two common types of fixed dental braces used to realign the teeth: ceramic fixed braces and metal fixed braces. Both types of fixed appliances include brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an archwire the orthodontist fits into the bracket slot to gently move the teeth into proper alignment. Elastic or wire ties will be applied to hold the wire in place. Some orthodontists may use self-ligating brackets which do not require a rubber or wire tie to secure the wire.
Fixed dental braces are used to treat a wide variety of malocclusions, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. If the orthodontist has determined that the malocclusion has been caused by overcrowding, it is possible that teeth may need to be extracted to increase the amount of available space to properly align the teeth.
What To Expect With Braces:
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Placement day – The placement of braces will not be painful in the slightest. It may take longer to eat meals, but this is largely because it takes some time to adjust to wearing the braces. In some cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual. Hard, difficult to chew foods should be avoided for a softer, more liquid-based diet for the first few days after placement of braces.
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Two days after placement – The first several days after placement of braces can be slightly uncomfortable. This is because the teeth are beginning the realignment process and are not used to the pressure of the archwire and orthodontic elastic bands. The orthodontist will provide relief wax to apply over the braces as necessary. Wax helps provide a smooth surface and alleviates irritation on the inner cheeks and lips. Additionally, over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., Motrin® and Advil®) may be taken as directed to relieve mild soreness.
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Five days after placement – After five days, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be completely gone. The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier. Certain hard foods may still pose a challenge to the wearer, but normal eating may be resumed at this point.
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Orthodontic appointments – Regular orthodontic appointments are necessary to allow the orthodontist to change the archwire, change the rubber or metal ties, and make adjustments to the braces. Fixed braces work by gradually moving the teeth into a new and proper alignment, so gentle pressure needs to be constantly applied. The first several days after an orthodontic adjustment may be slightly uncomfortable, but remember that this discomfort will quickly fade.
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Dealing with discomfort – Over-the-counter pain medication and orthodontic relief wax will help alleviate any mild soreness and discomfort following placement of braces and orthodontic adjustments. Another effective remedy is to chew sugar-free gum, as this increases blood flow which helps reduces discomfort and can also encourage the teeth to align quicker.
Contact Firouz Orthodontics
Firouz Orthodontics is an affordable orthodontist located in West Los Angeles, Dr. Maurice Firouz is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile at a fair price. We use state-of-the-art Orthodontic procedures and Orthodontic equipment providing the best orthodontic services in West Los Angeles such as Invisalign, Invisalign for Teens, Clear Braces, Damon Braces and others that will help give you a beautiful, long lasting smile!
Dr. Maurice Firouz and the team at Firouz Orthodontics are expert Invisalign Doctors. If you have any questions pertaining to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces and clear braces in Los Angeles CA, 90025 zip code area, Los Angeles County CA, West LA, Brentwood CA, Santa Monica CA or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Maurice Firouz contact Firouz Orthodontics at: (310) 447-5790.Now performing Virtual Consults!
