When undergoing orthodontic treatment there is often concern about possible pain that may be experienced when wearing braces. Orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort, but it is usually not excessively serious. In the following article we will review the stages of orthodontic treatment and, above all, what the bracket adjustment phase consists of and the pain that can occur during this phase.
The procedure usually begins with the placement of bands around the molars. This may involve slight pressure or pinching, but will not be painful. Next, the orthodontist, using a special adhesive, will bond the brackets to each of the teeth and then connect them with an archwire. At last, everything will be secured in place using elastic bands. The pressure applied by the wires and ligatures will force the teeth to slowly move and straighten. Getting used to this pressure usually takes some time.
Within a few hours of placement, some pain and discomfort will begin to develop in the teeth and gums. This pain usually lasts about a week and can be mitigated by taking painkillers that the orthodontist may prescribe. You will get used to how your new braces feel during this time.
After braces are placed, during the first week, you may experience some discomfort and pain in your teeth and gums, especially when chewing. Soreness may appear on the inside of the cheeks. Discomfort or small cuts may also appear on the tongue if the brackets have been passed over.
Pain from newly placed braces can usually be controlled with painkillers. Specialists also recommend eating the following soft foods that do not involve excessive chewing:
At the same time, it is also advisable to avoid other foods such as popcorn, hard candy and chewing gum, as they can damage and decrement the brackets causing them to dig in and cause sores and, consequently, pain. The majority of people get used to their braces in approximately one month. After the first six months, they are probably not even noticeable, although it is normal to experience some pain from time to time during treatment. They usually last about two years.
When wearing braces, it is necessary to visit the orthodontist every few weeks to make any necessary adjustments to keep treatment progressing. During these dentist’s appointments, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth while assessing the amount of pressure that your brackets are putting on them. While your teeth move and the tension is reduced, the braces will become less effective. Your dentist will tighten the wires, springs or rubber bands during each visit in order to increase the tension.
The main reason braces need adjustment is to make sure the teeth move effectively. Initially, the wires that attach the brackets together exert a lot of pressure, but as the teeth are repositioned, the pressure decreases. This indicates that the braces need to be adjusted and tightened. The orthodontist uses new elastics and rubber bands to adjust the brackets and archwires so that they keep applying gentle pressure to move the teeth, making sure they move in the right direction.
Changing these archwires that hold the brackets together can cause pain and discomfort for a few days. The discomfort should not be as severe as when the brackets were first placed. After a few days, the new pressure on the teeth will wear off. Taking an analgesic should be enough to control the pain.
The last phases of orthodontic treatment continue with the removal of the brackets after treatment is complete. When the brackets are removed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, removing any remaining adhesive. Removing the brackets is clearly a relief, but it does not mean that orthodontic treatment is finished. It is necessary to wear retainers.
Retainers are custom-made, usually plastic, and prevent the teeth from returning to their original positions, so at first they will need to be worn all day until the bone and gums settle. The use of retainers does not usually involve any discomfort or pain. Most pain caused during orthodontic treatment can be treated with pain relievers such as acetaminophen. The orthodontist may also prescribe NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can also help reduce gum inflammation.
To prevent the brackets from rubbing against the inside of the cheeks, soft wax can be placed over the brackets. The wax serves as a protective barrier which can significantly reduce the cuts or sores caused by the brackets or wires. If a wire or bracket becomes dislodged or detached, it may rub and cause pain. In these cases, an orthodontist should be consulted immediately.
