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Most people assume that braces will hurt during treatment, but we are here to assure you that they do not! Braces do not hurt when they are applied to the teeth so there is no need to fear Orthodontic treatment. There will, however, be mild discomfort after the orthodontic wires are inserted and activated. This is temporary and will last for three to seven days.
We always use the latest in technology, which helps mitigate any discomfort from your braces. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to getting your braces put on and any discomfort level associated with the different phases of treatment.
Placement Day
On the day that you get braces, you will have to adjust to having braces on your teeth and in your mouth for the duration of the treatment. It will take longer to eat meals because it takes time to get used to the extra equipment in your mouth. It’s possible teeth will feel more sensitive than usual during the first day, but there shouldn’t be much braces pain.
The First Few Days
For the first few days, try to eat more liquid based foods to reduce your discomfort level. We suggest foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, smoothies, soup, etc. Definitely avoid any hard, more difficult to chew foods like steak, carrots and apples.
During this period, braces can be uncomfortable as you adjust to having them on. The braces won’t cause any pain, but as your mouth is getting used to these metal objects taking up space inside your mouth, you will need some time to adjust.
The inside of your mouth (cheeks, teeth and tongue) have to get used to wires, elastics and metal. If you’re feeling soreness from everything, you can use over the counter pain relief medicine like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. You can also use the orthodontic wax we provided to reduce discomfort. The wax is placed on top of the braces and creates a smooth surface. This alleviates any irritation on the inner cheeks and lips.
One Week After Placement
After about a week of having your new braces on, your mouth should be comfortable and you will feel more relaxed. Congratulations – the worst part is over! The initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone by now. Certain foods may still be a challenge to eat, but you will figure out what works best for you quite quickly.
Follow Up Appointments
At your follow up appointments we are often changing the archwires to thicker sizes. It is possible you may have some mild discomfort a few hours later. However, this discomfort is not nearly like the initial discomfort from braces. While you may feel mild discomfort in the beginning stages of treatment, it is important to know that it is manageable and there are remedies to help ease any discomfort.
It is also important to know that regular Orthodontic appointments are necessary for braces so that Dr. Walt can monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
If you want to talk to us about your braces options or how to deal with any discomfort associated with Orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact us today and one of our knowledgeable staff would love to help you out!
