Orthodontic treatment, also known as braces, is performed to correct overly crowded or crooked teeth. The focus on treatment and recovery varies individually, although it can occur in every patient period. Almost all patients may experience braces pain for a few days after the braces are fitted and tightened. The pain can be minimal and normal. Some of these pains are adjustment pains to the braces, and some are caused by extra situations that occur during this process.
Generally, there is no pain or ache in the teeth when braces are fitted. The wires are attached to the brackets with braces rubber. Therefore, the teeth are pulled in certain directions. This can cause a feeling of pressure due to the pulling. Braces pain can be felt for a few weeks during the ongoing treatment. This period covers the time when the harmony between the mouth, teeth, and braces is formed. Following the advice of the dentist, it is possible to get through a painful process more quickly.
When braces remain in place, the teeth take shape. At the same time, the dentist can make changes on the wires throughout the treatment. Movements and changes can cause minimal levels of pain or discomfort. After getting braces, situations such as slight pain in the teeth and gums during chewing, sores appearing on the inner surface of the cheeks due to friction, and cuts occurring on the tongue can occur. It takes about a month for the patient to get completely used to the braces. Afterward, if no extra situation develops, braces pain is not experienced.
How Braces Are Applied
After the dentist decides on braces treatment, braces are applied to the patient. There may be concerns bothering the patient during this process. So, how are braces applied? Does it hurt when braces are applied? Before applying the braces, the dentist puts a mouthguard in the patient’s mouth. With the full stretching of the mouth, the mouthguard is used to clearly see the teeth, thus making the application easier. The patient may be uncomfortable keeping their mouth open during this process, but they do not experience pain or discomfort.
After applying the necessary medical adhesive, the dentist proceeds to the process of attaching the brackets. The brackets are attached one by one. After the bracket attachment process, the wires pass through the brackets. With this process, which does not exceed an hour, the braces treatment begins. After the application of braces, it is recommended to see the dentist at least once a month.
During this process, the dentist checks whether the wires serve in the treatment. Orthodontic adjustments are made. During these adjustments, the loosened wires are tightened again and changes can be made over the wires as necessary. After adjustments and corrections, braces pain can be experienced. If the pain is not prevented, you should consult a dentist. Even if the pain is controlled, regular check-ups and braces care should not be neglected.
How to Relieve Braces Pain
Braces pain can vary in each patient. The person who can minimize the pain is a good orthodontist. Therefore, extra care should be taken in choosing a dentist in braces treatment. Simple painkillers can be preferred for pains occurring in the general workflow. You can also listen to some tips that can alleviate the pain when it occurs.
So, what helps with braces pain? Oral anesthetics cut the pain in a short time due to numbing the teeth and gums. Your dentist can recommend a pain reliever after the braces application. The use of painkillers can reduce the effect of pain in a short time. During the use of painkiller drugs, it is very important to follow the dosage and instructions given by the dentist.
With the application of an ice compress, it helps to reduce inflammation. At the same time, due to its numbing in the mouth, the feeling of pain disappears. It is recommended to apply an ice compress to cope with braces pain. Drinking iced water is also one of the methods that help with braces pain. If the pain intensifies, you can consume about 100 ml of iced water. If you feel the pain decrease, it is recommended to consult your dentist.
When to See a Dentist for Braces Pain
After braces treatment, it is natural to experience pain, especially in the early stages. However, in some cases, it is necessary to consult a dentist. We recommend that you consult your dentist if you have severe pain developing suddenly in your teeth, if there are spots on your gums, if there is a protruding wire in the center of the pain, if there is bleeding, if the brackets are loose or fall off, if the pain continues for more than five days after the braces are tightened, or if you feel extreme sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods.
Braces Treatment Process
After wire treatment, it is recommended not to consume hard foods and especially shellfish. This can cause the pain to increase and damage the wires. Therefore, soft foods should be preferred throughout the treatment period. After treatment, you can use dental wax with the recommendation of an orthodontist.
Dental wax prevents damage to the cheeks and gums. Dental wax prevents the sharp ends of the brackets from irritating the mouth. Cold applications generally work in pain and aches. Sometimes you may prefer to gargle with warm salty water. This application helps to heal cuts and wounds that may be caused by wires. Massaging the gums with circular movements and a slight force is good for pain, aches, and gum swelling.
One of the important ways to reduce pain is the care given to teeth and braces. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using dental floss is among these cares. Braces treatment is an application that is spread over a long period. Therefore, it is very important to stay patient and calm for the treatment process to go well. Supported by care and medication, with the importance of oral and dental hygiene. If necessary, by consulting a dentist, you can reach a healthy and beautiful smile by following a patient process.
