Are Braces Painful?

Going to the dentist or orthodontist can be a daunting task, so having anxiety about having your teeth worked on is completely natural, especially when you are expecting some pain or discomfort. Thankfully, our experience and dedicated orthodontists at Sequence Orthodontics will work with you to ensure that you have the most pain-free and comfortable experience possible, no matter the

treatment. Here are some ways to avoid the pain and manage it when you cannot avoid it.

How to Prevent Pain

New pain from your braces can come from a variety of places. There is usually an adjustment period of getting used to your new metal gear immediately after you get your braces put on. Depending on your treatment plan, your orthodontist will tighten the wires on your braces from time to time, to keep them working efficiently. The key to reducing your pain or unease associated with your braces or retainer is to know how to take care of them. Having good eating habits is important as there are certain foods you should avoid when you have braces. Most issues that arise can be prevented with proper braces care.

How to Reduce Pain

There are quite a few quick fixes when your pain gets out of control:

• Oral anesthetics, like Arajel and Anbesol, can relieve pain quickly. They may not taste particularly good, but they help numb your mouth and mitigate pain. For less immediate pain or discomfort, over-the-counter medications will help reduce inflammation and kill pain. You might try taking the medication before your appointment to reduce the discomfort of your tightening or adjustment appointment.
• Icepacks relieve pain and swelling from your braces. The cold ice targets inflammation, as swelling just adds to the discomfort and pain. Along the same lines, drinking cold water throughout the day can help dull the sensations in your mouth and decrease swelling in sore gums.
• Eating soft foods is very important to the health of your braces. Hard foods like pretzels and hard candy can crack brackets and wires and cause painful cuts on the inside of the mouth and cheek. Soft foods do not pose a direct threat to your braces and are much easier on the teeth.
• Patience is key. Tightening your braces is always uncomfortable, but the pain will usually fade in a couple days. It will be worth it when the process is over and you’ll get to see the fantastic results of your treatment.

However, if you are experience long-term, persistent or serious pain, it may be wise to contact your dentist or orthodontist for a short-notice appointment to see what may be the issue and to correct it as quickly as possible.

Drs. Omid and Arash Rajaei at Sequence Orthodontics are determined to make your braces process the best it can possibly be. Come see us at our offices in Waldorf and Leonardtown, MA, and schedule a consultation to see what you can do about your smile!