Minor soreness is normal, but severe or shooting pain is not normal and should be brought to Dr. King's attention immediately. You should never feel any severe pain during braces treatment. The initial aches and discomfort should only last about 3 to 5 days, with improvements each day.
Braces can cause discomfort or pain while the person is wearing them. Usually, people will only feel pain or discomfort when an orthodontist first fits the braces and after regular brace tightening. They may also feel pain if part of the brace is rubbing or poking into the inside of their mouth.
After five days to a week, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone or much improved. The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier.
Most of our patients say that Day 2 of braces is the hardest day. On this day, your teeth will start to move with the braces. This movement can occasionally cause some discomfort. This discomfort usually does not prevent patients from going to school or work.
The level of discomfort will vary for each patient and could last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. While wearing braces can cause mild discomfort, the pain is normal and only temporary. The good news is that there are many simple ways to help ease the pain.
Many people will find that their bottom braces hurt more, because this is where the tongue is likely to poke or prod your braces and feel uncomfortable. Moving the jaw while talking and chewing is another way that bottom braces might cause a bit more discomfort.
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth are actively being moved to new positions. Changing the locations of the teeth can affect blood flow. This may trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the release of substances that trigger your pain response. So your teeth feel sore when they're on the move.
This typically lasts for a few days to a week as the mouth adjusts to the braces. Your mouth not only has to get used to the pressure being exerted to move the teeth to their new locations, but the feeling of the brackets and wires, as well.
Generally, this is simply because your gums and cheeks aren't yet used to the dental apparatus being in your mouth.
Invisalign is significantly less painful than metal braces. Most people report discomfort for the first few days of wearing the trays and some tenderness, but when compared to the agony of metal braces, Invisalign wins by being less painful.
Braces don't hurt on a daily basis, and they only need to be adjusted about every 4-6 weeks, in most cases. The discomfort of wearing braces is the highest right after an adjustment, and will begin to fade quickly after that. For the most part, braces are quite comfortable once you get used to wearing them.
Day 1: Having the braces placed on your teeth is not painful. But as your teeth begin to move, they typically will become sore. The soreness you experience is not a sharp pain, but rather a dull ache that typically lasts not more than 2 or 3 days.
However, a general rule of thumb is your kids should look at getting braces between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually, this is before they've gone through puberty. If they've already gone through it, this means it'll be harder to adjust their jaw and/or teeth, as they've already settled into their post-puberty positions.
Do braces hurt more for adults? While it is generally recommended that orthodontic treatment is undertaken during teenage years, it is not because braces hurt more for adults. No matter what age you are, you will likely experience the same level of discomfort after an adjustment which will dissipate in the coming days.
Although braces may seem expensive, the results of wearing braces far outweigh the price. In fact, braces may soon become one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your oral health and self-confidence. So, are braces worth it? The answer is yes.
Your teeth will feel achy as the alignment process begins and you may feel steady pressure from the wires, but that's also the exciting part! Your teeth start to straighten out from day one. The pain is not severe, but it can certainly be annoying and disruptive.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can offer some relief from the discomfort of braces. Take a dose of acetaminophen (usually two tablets) every four hours. Be sure to eat food with this medication, as it can cause an upset stomach if taken by itself.
One of the best ways to relieve braces pain is by taking over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Your child can take these before their orthodontist appointment to start fighting the pain before it starts.
Why Acetaminophen Is Best for Orthodontic Patients. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been marketed for many years as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It does not, however, reduce inflammation – so it is not considered an NSAID. As a result, it is the best pain reliever to use during orthodontic treatment.
Dental sedation is not an automatic when you need braces. While some people don't need it, others can benefit from receiving it. You might consider dental sedation if you suffer from severe dental anxiety, since this can help you feel more relaxed during the procedure.
Braces and Invisalign do not cause teeth to become weaker, looser, or fall out in healthy people. Braces can be a good option for those with poor periodontal health. Excessive force in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces can cause severe damage to the root and pulp of teeth as well as the supporting bones.