Pain is an inevitable part of getting braces, but many patients want to know how long do braces hurt? The truth is that the pain associated with having braces depends on several factors, such as the type of braces you have and the process of adjusting your teeth. While it may be uncomfortable at first, most people adjust to having braces within a few days or weeks after installation.
Why Do Braces Hurt?
Braces are made up of metal brackets and wires that work together to move the teeth into proper alignment. When installing braces, pressure will be applied to the teeth and gums in order to make space for them. This can cause some soreness and discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new hardware. Another common cause of pain is when your orthodontist tightens or adjusts your braces during routine visits. This tightening puts more pressure on your teeth which causes them to move into their new alignment and can lead to pain or discomfort.
Why Do Rubber Bands on Braces Hurt So Much?
Rubber bands are often used with metal braces to apply extra force around certain areas of the mouth to help with jaw alignment and tooth movement. These bands can pull quite hard on the upper and lower teeth, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. Because rubber bands come in different sizes, they can also be very tight depending on what size is used by your orthodontist. In addition to pulling harder than other parts of the brace, rubber bands can snap easily if not adjusted correctly, leading to further discomfort and pain when eating or speaking.
6 Ways to Stop Braces Pain At Home
There are several ways you can relieve any pain from your braces at home that, include:
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day as this helps reduce inflammation and irritation around the gums
- Applying a cold compress directly onto the gums for 15 minutes every few hours numbs any soreness.
- Using sugar-free gum as continuous chewing helps shift food particles away from any painful areas
- Avoiding eating sticky foods such as hard candy or chewy granola bars, which could get stuck between your teeth and cause more discomfort
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which helps alleviate any mild pains
- Eating softer foods such as mashed potatoes or yogurt until you adjust better to having braces again after each adjustment appointment.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
At Village Park Family Dentist, we understand how uncomfortable it can be to have braces, so we provide specialized care for our patients throughout their treatment plans. Our team includes highly experienced orthodontists who understand how long braces hurt and what needs to be done for our patients’ smiles to stay healthy during this time! We offer free consultations, so please do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment today! During these appointments, our team will go over all your questions regarding the treatment plan while providing personalized advice tailored just for you!