The most common question we will ask before orthodontic treatment is: do braces hurt? Today we will talk about the pain associated with getting your braces put on, having your braces adjusted, and getting your braces off. And also we will give you some tips on how to deal with braces discomfort.

Let’s start with getting your braces on. This process consists of gluing brackets to your teeth and placing the wire through the brackets. During this process you should not feel any pain. The only part you may find uncomfortable is having the cheek retractors in. This device is used to move your lips out of the way so that the doctor can keep your teeth dry and have easy access to the front of your teeth. This is at most mildly uncomfortable.

It is more common to experience discomfort after your appointment is over. This is because your teeth will begin moving which causes some sensitivity around the roots of your teeth. This is not a sharp painful feeling but a dull soreness. Another common discomfort you may experience after first receiving your braces is soft tissue discomfort. This is from the metal brackets rubbing on the inside of your cheeks and lips. Again this is minor discomfort and not sharp pain.

After a short period of time, the inside of your mouth will develop temporary calluses that will strengthen the soft tissue near the area where the brackets are rubbing. This will prevent further discomfort and the calluses will subside. During your orthodontic treatment, you will also need to have your braces adjusted. An adjustment appointment is the most common appointment you will have. The main purpose of this appointment is so your doctor can tighten your braces.

After having your braces tightened, it is common for some soreness to arise again. This discomfort will be noticeably less than when you first had your braces put on. This is because the initial movement of your teeth is more noticeable than the small adjustments along the way.

Let’s talk about getting your braces off. This is the least painful part of your braces treatment. This appointment consists of the doctor removing your brackets from your teeth which should not cause any pain. Your doctor will also clean off the glue that was holding your brackets you’re your teeth using the drill to clean your teeth. But it should not hurt any more than using an electric toothbrush. Your teeth are not being moved at this appointment which means you will not have any soreness afterwards either.

If you are in pain, what can you do to relieve it?

If your mouth is sore, the easiest thing to do is to eat cold food or drink cold water. This will lower the temperature of your mouth and cause the wire to temporarily apply less force. If you are having soft tissue discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax or a warm salt water rinse. To create a warm salt water rinse, dissolve two teaspoons of salt into two cups of warm water and rinse it in your mouth. To use orthodontic wax, pinch off a small portion of wax and soften it by rolling it between your fingers. Apply the softened wax to the brackets or wires that are causing you discomfort.

Remember everyone’s orthodontic treatment is different. We have provided you with the best information we can about traditional braces. But there are many different types of treatment and everyone’s experience is different. You can leave a comment below telling us about your problem for more information.