Braces are the best way to treat crooked teeth, misaligned bites, gaps in teeth, protruding teeth, and crowded teeth. Braces are resoundingly safe and effective. They can take some getting used to, but they rarely cause severe pain. When braces are first put on, when they are tightened during treatment, and during the removal process, you may feel some discomfort, pressure, or soreness but any tenderness is typically short-lived and easily manageable. Read on to learn more about what to expect if you get braces.
Reasons to Consider Braces
Approximately 45% of people need braces to treat problems relating to the function of the jaw, bite, and teeth. However many more people choose them to improve the appearance of their smile. Because braces can completely transform your smile, today in addition to more than one million teenagers getting braces each year, countless adults are also correcting alignment and bite problems with braces. Braces can correct:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Protruding teeth
- Irregular spacing
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Slanted teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain caused by a TMJ disorder
- Teeth grinding
- Speech impediments
Getting Braces: Will it Hurt?
If you are set to begin orthodontic treatment with metal or clear braces, the procedure is the same. Your orthodontist will have already taken all photos or secured all molds of your teeth necessary to design your treatment plan. Your braces may take up to an hour to be put on your teeth. But the process is painless. Your orthodontist will merely be using an adhesive to secure your metal or clear brackets to the front surface of your teeth.
Next, your orthodontist will run what is known as an archwire through each bracket. This process is also painless for patients. So, your first appointment is likely to be completely pain free. Occasionally patients may report mild soreness from holding their mouth open.
In the hours that follow, it is unlikely that your braces will hurt, but the insides of your cheeks and lips may become mildly irritated from the brackets. Your orthodontist will provide you with dental wax that you can smooth over the brackets so that they stop irritating the tissue on your inner cheek and lips.
The day after you have your braces put on, you are likely to feel pressure as your teeth begin to shift into alignment. Though for almost everyone the discomfort is more annoying than painful, you may find relief through an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
As you continue with your treatment, you can expect the same pressure or discomfort in the days that follow having your braces tightened. But the pain should always be manageable. If you experience any sharp pain, notify your orthodontist immediately.
Are Clear Aligners Less Painful than Braces?
If you opt for ClearCorrect instead of metal or clear braces, you will likely experience temporary discomfort when transitioning from one series of trays to the next. This is due to the shifting of your teeth. However, ClearCorrect has one distinct advantage over metal or clear bracket braces: the smooth plastic aligners are much less abrasive to your lips and cheeks. For this reason, and due to their nearly invisible appearance, many adults prefer this type of orthodontic treatment.
Temporary Discomfort for a Lifetime of Straight Teeth
Fear of pain from braces should never prevent you from correcting your bite. It also shouldn’t be a deterrent to achieving a beautiful, straight smile. If you’re especially fearful, think of all of the children and teens you’ve seen living happy, healthy lives while wearing braces. This is clear evidence that any pain from braces is entirely manageable, and won’t interfere with your life.
Schedule a Consultation for Braces Near Dayton
If you or your child requires orthodontic treatment to correct protruding teeth, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, or a bite problem, contact Smith Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation at 937-431-0947. You may also request an appointment online.