What to Expect When Acquiring Braces

Suffering from crooked teeth, tooth gaps, or bite problems may seem uncomfortable and unpleasant for you. One of the treatments that your dentist might suggest is braces. But you might ask yourself “don’t they hurt?”

Here, we will talk about the pain associated with obtaining braces and what you can expect from this orthodontic treatment.

Does it hurt?

You’ll be surprised to know that getting braces near you doesn’t hurt. The placement of the actual braces isn’t painful. While it may bring discomfort especially when the orthodontic wire is placed on the brackets, this does not mean it hurts a lot. This discomfort will fade within a few days of placement.

Another thing to watch out for is when the orthodontist cleans the bands around the molars since the solution usually tastes sour and you might not be fond of the taste. But it will be washed off right after the process.

Other than the pressure when the bands are placed and the taste of the solution, there is nothing to worry about during the placement of braces.

After braces are put on.

The first few days after receiving the braces may bring discomfort.

For one, there’s a lot of getting used to especially when speaking and eating. There are foods that you must not eat so as not to damage your braces. Some parts of your inner mouth and tongue may also get sore especially when they rub up against your brackets. 

This discomfort is only at the beginning while you are still adjusting to wearing braces. After all, braces are something foreign to your mouth, but stay there for month or years, which means sooner enough your mouth will acclimate.

Braces can cause your teeth and gums to become sore. That’s something you should not worry about, though. In essence, it might be something to celebrate because it means the braces are doing their work and shifting your teeth into proper alignment.

The discomfort and soreness will soon be gone after a couple of weeks. Having your braces realigned might bring it back a bit but it won’t last long. Also, as your mouth feels better, you can ease into eating solid foods. However, you might as well still avoid hard foods that could break your braces.

Dealing with discomfort.

If it gets too uncomfortable and you can’t bear the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

Orthodontic wax can also help in relieving soreness after the placement and adjustment of your braces.

You can also use salt-water rinses or chew sugar-free gums to relieve soreness and help the circulation of blood in your gums.

Always make sure to consult your dentist before you take any over-the-counter medication for relief to ensure your safety.

When to see an orthodontist.

If the pain persists and you think it’s no ordinary discomfort or soreness, do check with your orthodontist right away.

It is also advised to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly for adjustments. Your braces will gradually loosen since your teeth are being aligned little by little. Your dentist will make sure to adjust your braces so that they can continue working wonders for your teeth.

Where can I receive braces?

When you’re ready to put on braces, schedule an appointment with a dentist near you. During a consultation, your dentist can determine if braces are the best orthodontic treatment available to you.

For braces in Saskatoon, visit Saskatoon Smiles and they’ll be happy to assist you. Achieve a healthy, beautiful, and straight smile with this orthodontic treatment.