GetHealthAccess.com | Are Braces Painful? All About Braces |Only 35% of people have teeth that are naturally aligned the right way. That means that the vast majority of people could benefit from wearing braces!
Braces are very common nowadays for kids and adults alike. The technology has come a long way, creating options like invisible braces, braces behind teeth, and more.
Regardless of the type of braces your orthodontist may recommend, you’re probably wondering: are braces painful?
The short answer is no! Read on for a more in-depth explanation as to why braces aren’t painful.
Modern Types of Braces Mean Less Pain
As we mentioned earlier, the technology used to create and apply braces nowadays has come a long way. There are plenty of options for both kids and adults!
Ultimately, braces have never caused a ton of pain. What they may cause is temporary discomfort from time to time.
The best part about modern braces is that you often don’t have to wear them for as long in order to get straight teeth. That means that any discomfort you might experience from your braces will be shorter-lived than ever before.
Potential Sources of Discomfort With Braces
What can cause discomfort when you’re wearing braces? What can you do about it? Let’s take a look.
Soreness After Tightening
The number one source of discomfort for braces-wearers comes from periodic tightening. Over time, your orthodontist will tighten your braces so that they can shift your teeth into proper alignment. It’s not uncommon to experience soreness or discomfort for 1-5 days after each tightening.
Age-appropriate amounts of OTC pain relievers can help ease the pain. Take them for at least two days after tightening and you likely won’t experience much discomfort at all.
Eating softer foods for a few days after your braces are tightened can also help. This can alleviate some of the pressure on your teeth and jaws. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to eat more ice cream?
Sensitivity to Brackets and Wires
Some people find that the brackets and, less frequently, wires of their braces cause some sensitivity. More specifically, the brackets may scratch the cheeks and lips, causing small, sensitive areas.
If this occurs, talk to your orthodontist about it. They can give you orthodontic wax to put over the troublesome brackets when you aren’t eating. The wax creates a smooth barrier so that you won’t experience any more rubbing or scratching.
Are Braces Painful? No Way!
The most common misconception about braces is that they’re painful. Are braces painful in real life? No way!
If you do experience any discomfort while wearing braces, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist about it. They can recommend more solutions to alleviate your discomfort and enjoy your experience of wearing braces.
Taking care of your teeth is a great way to maintain your health. Looking for more ways to give your health an extra boost? Take a look around for tips, guides, and event information that will keep you healthy.
