One of the most common questions we get asked at our practice is “do braces hurt?” For some, the answer is yes. However, that shouldn’t deter you from getting braces. Getting braces comes with huge benefits, such as improving your oral health and straightening your smile. At Mack Orthodontics, we strive to educate patients on anything and everything orthodontics and braces. If you have braces and are suffering from minor pain, here is what you need to know and how you can find relief.
Why Does My Mouth Hurt From Braces?
The process of straightening teeth with braces is a safe and effective way to achieve a straighter smile. The more crooked your teeth are, the more you will feel the process of your teeth shifting. However, everyone has their range of pain temperance; some patients feel minor pain while others don’t feel anything at all. Is it important to note that no one should be feeling a severe amount of pain from braces? If that is the case, you should speak to your orthodontist immediately.
Braces Pain Relief Tips:
If you are feeling minor pain from your braces, here are some tips to help you find relief.
- Over the Counter Pain Relief- Braces are constantly putting pressure on your teeth so that your bones and teeth move in the right position. You will experience different phases with pain, so take a pain relief pill to alieve the pressure.
- Oral Anesthetic/Orajel- Orajel is an over-the-counter oral anesthetic. You put the gel near the teeth that hurt on the gum line and you will feel numbness. This can be a great topical relief medicine for those that have pain in certain areas of their mouth.
- Ice Pack-The ice pack will help relieve swelling. Put the ice pack on the side of the mouth that hurts.
- Gum Massage: Simply clean your hands and gently massage the outside of your jaw. This will help circulate blood flow in your jaw, relieving pain in certain areas.
- Orthodontic Wax: Besides feeling pressure on your teeth and gums, you can get sore spots on your gums and tongue with traditional/lingual braces. These sores can be painful to eat with or talk with. Try orthodontic wax to put on the brackets that are causing sores.
Get Braces Today From Mack Orthodontics!
Want to start orthodontic treatment? Contact Mack Orthodontics today! Dr. Mack and staff are experts in their field; they help give patients customized braces that they need to effectively straighten and restore their teeth. If you’re curious about becoming a patient at our practice, reach out to our Bettendorf and Eldridge offices. We are happy to answer any questions/concerns you have.