Do braces hurt?
Initially, you may experience some discomfort. After a week, your mouth becomes used to the braces. Your teeth may hurt for 2-3 days after your check-up every 4-6 weeks. You can still do anything with braces. You can speak, play a musical instrument, dine out, and even kiss. Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort. We use the latest in miniature braces and the highest quality of orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After some visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol can be used to 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!
Braces have changed a lot in the last 20 years so they are a lot less painful than they were in the past. At present, we do not know how to avoid the pain when the braces are first put in, or when the braces are being tightened. However, modern brackets are designed to minimize your child’s pain between visits to the orthodontist. Most children experience some soreness during their first week in braces and occasional pain when their braces are being tightened. However, after the first week, most children hardly notice the braces at all.
We often remind our patients that it does not have to hurt for it to work. We use small, very efficient braces and highly flexible heat activated wires which are comfortable for our patients. You may feel some discomfort at first. It is similar to a mild headache. For relief you may take an over the counter non-aspirin pain reliever and sip on cold water. Warm salt water rinses helps to relieve soreness and just feels good.
