How to Relieve Braces Pain?
For many people, the term “braces” is synonymous with pain and discomfort - and rightly so. Many braces wearers cosmplain of discomfort and toothache, especially during the initial few days or weeks of getting braces. While the pain associated with wearing braces is an indication that they are working - and moving your teeth into optimal alignment - there are ways you can minimize the discomfort. Thi article discusses various braces pain relief ideas that can help you make your orthodontic treatment experience a little less painful.
How to Reduce Braces Pain?
- Pain Medication
Although frequent intake of over-the-counter painkillers is not recommended, you may take them occasionally to reduce the tooth pain, especially after getting your braces tightened.
- Diet Management
Braces make it difficult to chew hard and sticky foods but eating a hard diet may also result in increased tooth pain. Therefore, it is a good idea to stick to a softer diet such as soups, cereal, fruits, boiled vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Use an Icepack
Cold treatment helps in reducing inflammation and the associated pain. Applying an icepack over the facial skin can help relieve the orthodontic treatment pain.
- Orthodontic Wax
During the first few days, you may also feel pain because of the sharp edges of the brackets. If you’re looking for ways on how to deal with braces pain, here is another one; apply orthodontic wax, also called utility wax, over the sharp edges of the brackets. It will help reduce the discomfort.
- Topical Anesthetics
If none of your braces pain relief ideas work, you may try using an oral anesthetic such as Abnesol or Orajel. These anesthetics, which usually come in gels, can be applied to the gums using a cotton swab or your fingers. The anesthetic gels numb the gums and reduce the braces pain considerably.
- Gum Massage
Looking for natural pain relief for braces? Here is another one. Just like massaging your shoulders after strenuous exercise helps relieve the pain, the same can be used to relieve gum pain during orthodontic treatment. Gently rub your gums in a circular fashion using one finger. You will feel immediate pain relief.
Although the tooth pain caused during orthodontic treatment may not be entirely avoidable, you can still reduce it by following the tips mentioned in this article. Slight pain and discomfort during braces treatment may actually be a good thing as it shows that your treatment is working. After all, there is no gain without enduring some pain!
5 Benefits of tradicional Braces
Benefits of Braces
Orthodontic treatment with braces helps us get straight teeth - yes, we all know that. But did you know that getting braces offers much more benefits than just perfectly aligned teeth? If your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment and you’re not sure whether you would benefit from braces, here are some good things about having braces that will help you make the right decision.
What are the Advantages of Braces?
- A Beautiful Smile
The most critical component of a beautiful smile is perfectly aligned, pearly-white teeth. Braces help you achieve a healthy and naturally gorgeous smile by realigning your teeth.
- Improved Self-confidence
People with flawed smiles and crooked teeth often shy away from speaking or smiling in public. If you have crooked teeth that are taking a toll on your self-esteem, getting perfectly aligned teeth with braces will help boost your confidence and make you look friendlier and more approachable.
- Improved Oral Health
When you have straight teeth, it is easier to clean them optimally. Conversely, crooked and misaligned teeth promote plaque and tartar deposition leading to a host of dental complications.
- Enjoy Better Physical Health
Straighter teeth not only improve one’s oral health but help maintain optimal physical health as well. How? Straight teeth allow you to chew food more efficiently, thereby improving digestion and assimilation of food, generating sufficient energy to perform the body’s essential functions.
- Save Money of Preventable Dental Treatment
According to the American Dental Association, not having your misaligned teeth straightened may lead to long-term complications such as:
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Impaired speech
- Difficulty in chewing
- Jaw joint disorders
- Tooth wear
- Tooth loss
So, if you want to avoid spending your hard-earned money on preventable dental problems, you should consider getting your teeth straightened with braces.
- Say Goodbye to Bad Breath
No one likes talking to someone with a stinky breath. But did you know that crooked and misaligned teeth can also result in bad breath due to complex oral hygiene maintenance? So, get your teeth straightened today and prevent yourself from social embarrassment.
Orthodontic treatment with braces can significantly improve one’s smile, health, and quality of life. So, if your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment, you should go ahead with it - as there are numerous benefits of dental braces treatment.
Why do Braces Hurt?
If your dentist has informed you that you need braces to get your teeth straightened, you might be wondering about the overall orthodontic treatment experience. If you search the internet, you will find one of the most frequently asked questions about braces is “why do braces hurt so much?” If you are also concerned whether braces treatment would be a painful experience, this article is for you. Continue reading to find out why braces hurt and how you can manage the pain.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt With Braces?
You might have heard from your friends or colleagues about the first day braces pain. When one wears braces or removable aligners for the first time, one may experience considerable pain and discomfort. However, this pain does not mean something wrong with your braces. On the contrary, it shows that your treatment is working!
To understand why do braces hurt so much the first week, let us know how braces work.
Braces, also known as orthodontic brackets, are bonded to each tooth using an adhesive. Each bracket contains a slot through which a metallic orthodontic wire passes and connects all the teeth. Your dentist will adjust the tension in the orthodontic wire so that the pressure is transferred to the brackets and then to the roots of the teeth - forcing them to move in the desired direction. The pain you feel because of braces is due to the movement of the tooth roots within the jawbone. However, as the teeth start to move, the pain and discomfort subside. At your next appointment, your dentist will re-tighten the wire - to continue the tooth alignment process - resulting in increased tooth pain for the next few days. In this way, your dentist will force your teeth to move into optimal alignment and occlusion.
How Long Do Braces Hurt?
Your braces may hurt for the first few days or weeks at the beginning of your treatment. However, this pain should subside as your oral cavity, teeth, and jawbone get accustomed to the orthodontic treatment. You may experience braces pain again for a few days after getting your braces tightened at the next checkup appointment.
Braces pain, although an inconvenience, should be taken as a sign that your treatment is working. In fact, you will feel that the alignment of your teeth is improving with each passing day. However, you can reduce this pain by eating a soft diet and ensuring optimal oral hygiene.
What Are The Best Braces Options?
Thanks to modern dentistry, there are numerous options for straightening teeth today - from fixed metal braces to ceramic braces and removable clear aligners. If you are thinking of getting your teeth straightened, you might be wondering which option would be most suitable for your treatment. This article provides an overview of various orthodontic treatment options available so that you can select an option that best suits your treatment needs.
Adult Braces Options
Today, age is just a number when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Whether you are sixteen or sixty years old, you can get your teeth straightened to enjoy a charming smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in every four orthodontic patients today is an adult. The treatment options available to adults are the same as those for younger patients, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. However, the only difference when it comes to age is that the bones in adults become brittle. As a result, it may take longer to align their teeth compared with younger patients. Your dentist will suggest the most suitable option for your treatment, depending on the severity of your issue and your dental health status.
What are Different Types of Braces Available?
Today, metal braces are not the only option for aligning crooked teeth. If you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, your dentist will present you with the following options:
Different braces options
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign aligners
Before recommending a treatment option, your orthodontist will first perform a thorough clinical examination to determine the extent of your orthodontic problem. Then, based on your treatment needs, age, aesthetic concerns, and budget, they will recommend a suitable treatment option.
The goal of all orthodontic treatment options is the same; to straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile. If you are looking for a reliable, time-tested, cost-effective treatment option, metal braces can be a good option. On the other hand, if comfort and aesthetics are your top priority, a removable clear aligner may be a better option as they are inconspicuous and comfortable to wear. If you are unsure about the best orthodontic treatment option, consult your dentist to help you select the right choice.
