It’s very common for patients of all ages to show apprehension about getting braces because they think they’re in for a world of pain and discomfort—but thankfully, that’s not the reality of modern treatment. So if you’ve been wondering if orthodontic treatment is painful, Thacker Orthodontics is here to shed some light on that question!
Why Does Discomfort Occur?
It can be helpful to understand why orthodontic patients occasionally experience discomfort from a scientific perspective. In short—your teeth don’t move easily on their own, which is why it might feel a bit strange. Here’s a closer look at what we mean by that:
- Pressure on the Periodontal Ligament: The intentional force from your braces or aligners stimulates the bone and ligaments around your teeth, resulting in a natural remodeling process. This sensation is completely normal.
- Initial Adjustment Period: When you first get braces or put in your first set of Invisalign trays, your teeth and gums will need time to adapt. Most patients can expect some mild soreness for the first few days, but this is temporary and should be very manageable.
- Periodic Adjustments and New Aligners: Each time you receive an adjustment to your braces in our office or switch to a new aligner, your teeth may feel a little tender for a short period. This is a sign that your treatment is working and your teeth are shifting as planned.
How We Prioritize Your Comfort
Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan only use the latest orthodontic technologies in their treatment plans, and a lot of the increased comfort comes from these methods. There are a few different appliances and approaches we can choose from—but we try to be intentional about making your experience comfortable.
1. Advanced Technology for Gentle Tooth Movement: We use modern appliances, like light stainless steel braces and Invisalign, to apply gradual pressure on your teeth. These innovations reduce the amount of force needed to shift teeth, leading to a more comfortable experience.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans: Our team creates customized treatment plans based on your individual needs and concerns, ensuring your teeth are moving with minimal discomfort.
3. Soft Archwires and Clear Aligners: For those with braces, our soft, flexible archwires gradually move teeth without unnecessary pressure. If you’re using clear aligners, each set is designed to apply gentle pressure, reducing the likelihood of pain.
4. Orthodontic Wax for Extra Comfort: Brackets and wires can sometimes cause minor irritation to the softer tissues inside of your mouth. Orthodontic wax is an easy-to-use, highly portable tool that provides a smooth barrier between your braces and these soft tissues, preventing sores and discomfort.
5. Expert Guidance and Ongoing Support: All of these great tools would be nothing without professional oversight! Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to manage discomfort, what to eat, and how to care for your appliances. We’re always here to answer questions and make adjustments when needed.
Managing Uncomfortable Symptoms
As we said earlier, any discomfort you experience during your treatment at Thacker Orthodontics should be manageable (and if it isn’t, we might need to take a closer look). Luckily, there are a number of easy, at-home approaches you can choose from to ease discomfort and help you care for your braces better.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Probably the most common treatment is to take a prescribed dose of Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help reduce soreness after adjustments. If you’re unable to take these, please let us know so we can find an alternative option.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack to your cheeks for 10-15 minutes can help numb soreness and reduce inflammation. Having a few of these on hand in your freezer is always a handy tool.
- Saltwater Rinse: A warm saltwater rinse is a time-tested way to soothe irritated gums and promote rapid healing of any broken tissue.
- Soft Foods: Try to eat softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies while your teeth feel sensitive. You can get pretty creative with these options.
- Chewing Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum (as approved by your orthodontist) can help increase blood flow and relieve mild soreness.
Out of the Ordinary
We just want to mention that some scenarios indicate something closer to an orthodontic emergency—a situation that we’ll need to address in our office. These aren’t terribly common, but being aware of them can be a good precaution:
- Sharp or Severe Pain: Intense pain that is hard to manage could be a sign of an issue with your appliance, such as a broken wire or bracket.
- Sores or Ulcers That Won’t Heal: Some irritation is normal, but persistent sores may require an adjustment to your braces.
- Loose or Poking Wires: Any time part of your appliance becomes loose or starts poking your mouth, call us so we can fix it quickly. Never attempt these repairs on your own!
A Better Way to Do Braces
Our Thacker Orthodontics teams in Hillsboro and Cincinnati will do everything we can to make sure your experience runs smoothly and is pain-free. If you’re thinking of getting braces, you can reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.