One of the questions that will pop up in your mind when wondering whether you really need braces is “Are braces painful?”. No braces don't hurt but might be a little uncomfortable for some days for some time. You will know that getting braces is not as hard as you think.

At Central Coast Orthodontics, we help our patients into orthodontic treatment comfortably by explaining everything ahead of them.

Are Braces Painful When You First Get Them?

It is fascinating to know that getting braces does not hurt in any way. Brackets will be fixed to your teeth, which will be joined together using the wire. With this system in place, the teeth can be moved by the wire to bring them into the position. This process is painless, and all you need to do is relax and wait for the process to be completed.

Your teeth may feel stiff and painful whenever you chew something. This happens since braces work on your teeth gradually using pressure. If you are curious to know if braces hurt in the first days or not, then I will have to say that it will definitely be slightly uncomfortable for you. This is because your mouth is trying to adjust itself to braces.

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Why Do Braces Cause Discomfort?

The use of braces means there is constant pressure to achieve proper alignment of the teeth. With the process, the teeth will shift from where they currently stand into an improved alignment. This will make the bones and ligaments around them adapt accordingly, resulting in some level of discomfort and slight pain.

There are reasons why the use of braces results in pain:

• Tooth shifting
• Adjustment or tightening of wires
• Friction between the brackets and gums
• Adjustment pressure

Fortunately, your mouth quickly adjusts to everything.

How Long Does Braces Pain Last?

Of course, one of your questions would revolve around how long this period will last. Typically, the pain will be most severe for the first 24-48 hours, but afterwards, the pain will start reducing.

The following is a rough estimate of what to expect:

Day 1

In some instances, you will experience sensitivity and tightness in your teeth a few hours after the installation of your braces.

Days 2-3

In most cases, the pain experienced will be at its highest. However, by eating soft foods, you will be able to ease this pain.

Days 4-7

Most people usually feel better at this point.

Adjustment Appointments

You will experience sensitivity for about 1-2 days following your adjustments. If you are wondering whether the process hurts after all this information, you need to know that for most people, it will not hurt at all.

Tips to Reduce Braces Discomfort

Here is what you can do if you are concerned about the soreness.

Eat Milder Foods

Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, yogurts, and scrambled eggs are foods that will save you the trouble.

Apply Orthodontic Wax

It will protect the inside of your mouth from irritation because of the brackets.

Rinse Mouth With Warm Salt Water

The rinse is very helpful at dealing with the pain.

Consume Over-The-Counter Analgesics

Tylenol and its analogues are effective for a couple of days after receiving your braces.

Cold Drinks Actually Help

Consuming ice water and smoothies is known to relieve soreness and swelling. The ones who fear getting sore so much that it stops them from sleeping usually find their fears to be unfounded in reality.

Do Braces Hurt More After Tightening?

It is important to attend orthodontist visits because braces need tightening to make sure that your teeth are correctly aligned. The patient will experience some discomfort after these visits for two days. The discomfort after tightening will be less compared to the first week after receiving the braces. The mouth will slowly get used to the process. When people ask if braces hurt after tightening visits, the answer is always, “No, you just have a bit of discomfort.”

When Should You Call Your Orthodontist?

While it is entirely normal to experience some amount of discomfort, it certainly isn't normal to experience extreme pain. In case of:

• An irritating wire rubbing against your cheek and gums
• Swelling
• Severe pain that does not seem to lessen
• Irritation due to loose brackets
• Pain while eating and sleeping

Please do get in touch with us at Central Coast Orthodontics, as we aim to guide you through every stage of your orthodontic treatment. Read more about medical coverage for your treatment through our blog.

Final Thoughts

So, do braces hurt? Definitely not for the majority of patients, as braces would cause discomfort or a sense of pressure rather than causing any pain. This is vital in creating a healthy and straight smile.

Braces have been made way more comfortable due to new advancements in orthodontics, and now people adapt to braces faster than expected. If you want to find out more information regarding braces, come over to Central Coast Orthodontics.