How Long Will My Braces Hurt?

Does Having Braces Hurt? Do Braces Hurt After You Get Them?

How long do braces hurt for if you’ve never gone through this before?

It’s common to experience some minor discomfort when first getting used to your braces or having them adjusted every month. If there’s so much discomfort that it’s causing actual pain, it’s extremely rare.

Since you need braces because of some sort of misalignment of your teeth, most of the soreness or pain from getting braces that people experience is due to the pressure and tension placed on the teeth as the move into alignment, or from the appliances (brackets, wires, rubber bands, or other fixed aids) rubbing the inside of their mouth.

Fortunately, your mouth is quite resilient and gets used to the changes going on in a matter of days. As your teeth move, the initial pressure can cause some unfamiliar discomfort. Gradually, your mouth will become more accustomed to the process!

How Long Do Braces Hurt After Getting Them?

Braces hurt for a couple of days after getting them. After that, you can expect your straightening teeth to feel normal.

Cheek and Lip Irritation

But what about the rubbing inside of your mouth? If brackets and wires are causing you to develop sores on your lips and cheeks, you may need to use some orthodontic wax.

Unless you’re in pain, you want to allow your mouth to develop “calluses” in those areas, toughening the delicate skin that’s coming into contact with your braces.

After this process takes place, you’ll be more immune to possible discomfort and irritation throughout the duration of your treatment.

Braces / Elastics Pain Relief

If the soreness is coming from orthodontic bands that you’ve been prescribed, you may feel tempted to wear them less frequently or not at all. The progress of your tooth movement is dependent on these rubber bands. By not wearing them not only will you fail to see progress in your tooth alignment, you may see a relapse. A major consequence could be spending longer in braces.

Instead, talk to our top-rated Ottawa orthodontist, Dr Charles Cohen, about your concerns. It may be possible to lessen the tension on your teeth so that changes are not as significant in that time span.

Otherwise, the best way to reduce discomfort is to power through the first few days with the help of a pain reliever, until your mouth feels the tension as something that’s normal.

Different Ways to Stop Braces Pain

To find out how to get rid of braces pain and what to do for braces pain, the best place to start is by talking to your orthodontist. Here are some of the most common DIY braces pain relief options that are safe enough for home use:

Orthodontic Wax — When you got your braces, your new patient supplies should have included a small amount of orthodontic wax. You can also purchase it at the drugstore near the toothbrushes and floss. Pinch off a small piece (about the size of a pea) and roll it into a ball, then gently press it over the piece of your braces that is causing the irritation. The smoother texture will prevent any pain too raw areas inside of your mouth.

Clipping the Wires — If the pain is caused by a broken bracket or wire pushing into your mouth, you’ll obviously have to see an orthodontist to have it repaired. If the wire is in a position where it is physically extended and pointing into your cheek, you can use a pair of nail clippers to snip the wire off. Then, use the eraser-end of a pencil to gently bend the end of the wire back toward your tooth; or, you can cover the end of the wire with a piece of orthodontic wax until you’re able to see your orthodontist.

Warm Salt Water Rinses — Salt water is great for reducing swelling and irritation around areas that might be infected. If your gums appear to be swollen or bleeding, it’s likely because you’re not cleaning as much around your braces as you ought to be, causing gingivitis to flare up. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm tap water, and rinse for 30-60 seconds. You can do this up to 3-4 times per day. In very rare situations, some people experience allergic reactions to their appliances; this rinse can help alleviate soreness until you see an orthodontist.

Over the Counter Pain Relievers — As long as you’re cleared by your doctor to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication like ibuprofen (Motrin) this is usually the best solution for short-term orthodontic pain relief. Be sure to take the drug as directed. If pain persists more than a few days and does not improve, you may need to call our Barrhaven orthodontist.

Does it Hurt When You Get Braces Put On?

Most of the time, the most painful orthodontic sensations that people are afraid of is getting their braces put on and having them taken off.

As far as getting them put on, braces do not cause pain. However, the tension between your teeth or under orthodontic bands can cause some soreness later in the day. Fortunately, there’s a big difference between soreness and pain. Most people feel some mild to moderate discomfort as the braces feel tight, but actual pain is quite rare.

Likewise, getting your braces taken off isn’t typically thought of as painful. Removing each bracket may cause a slightly uncomfortable noise or sensation (such as nails on a chalkboard) but it is not a hurtful process that requires something like laughing gas when you get a filling. As each bracket is gently lifted off, the sensation only lasts a couple of seconds.

Barrhaven Emergency Orthodontic Treatment

At Braces Haven, we want our Barrhaven orthodontic patients to have the most comfortable experience in their braces as possible. If for any reason you’re in pain or experiencing an orthodontic emergency, contact our office right away.

Ready for a Free Consultation with Your Favourite Ottawa Orthodontist?

We trust that we cleared up and relieved you of any fears about whether or not braces hurt. Make us your trusted Ottawa Orthodontist with our free consultation. Book your appointment with your favourite Barrhaven Orthodontic clinic and get started toward a dazzling smile.