Do braces hurt?
For the most part, braces do not hurt. The first time you get separators or new wires, your teeth may be sore for a few days. The soreness usually peaks during days 2-3, but should start getting better by days 4-5. Future adjustments may or may not cause you discomfort depending on what is being done to your teeth. To alleviate the discomfort, you can take whatever pain medications you would normally use for a headache.
After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!” More discomfort is likely to be experienced at the beginning of treatment, immediately after the placement of appliance/braces.
Sometimes there may be a little discomfort. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!” Modern orthodontics uses very light,continuous forces. Back to top • Can I return to school the day I receive my braces? Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment. Back to top • Do you give shots? No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment. Back to top • Do you use recycled braces? Absolutely not !! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible. Back to top • Can I still play sports? Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. We have treated a University quarterback and a University linebacker and neither one ever had broken braces. Back to
