Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After some visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, we recommend Tylenol to ease the discomfort. Advil and other anti-inflamatory type medications can actually slow tooth movement. In order to make a tooth move, Dr. Graham intentionally creates an inflamatory process that allows the tooth to move. One could work against the other! 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!
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After braces are first placed on the teeth, patients should expect soreness for the first few days. In these situations, pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, and warm salt water rinses will ease the discomfort. We also recommend wearing orthodontic wax, when necessary. However, after most follow-up visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all!
Initially, the braces will feel prominent to your lips and cheeks. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces, and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets are round and smooth, until the cheek tissues have “toughened” you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more. The wax may also be purchased at a local drugstore. Moving teeth makes them sore for a day or two after each visit. The times when you may experience discomfort are: after separators, a new wire, new elastics, or new appliance. Getting the braces applied to the teeth doesn’t hurt at all. Usually it takes several hours after the braces are placed before you notice any discomfort. The new heat activated wires that the doctors use do not require much force to move the teeth, and are therefore less painful.
