Teeth straightening is not just confined to teens or children; adults can also benefit from effective orthodontic treatment to repair their crooked or misaligned teeth. Adult teeth straightening can be accomplished with either conventional braces or invisible aligners. You can consult a dentist for Dental braces in South Torrance, CA today.
Do braces hurt?
If you are considering braces, you are probably thinking how badly they will hurt. Braces can be uncomfortable, although they are typically not too severe.
When you first get them
It is not a bad idea to get braces on your teeth. Braces can be applied to your teeth in one to two hours. Your orthodontist will first wrap bands around your rear molars. Some small pressure or pinching may be involved, but it will not be uncomfortable.
The orthodontist will next apply a special adhesive to your teeth that does not hurt. Your orthodontist glues brackets to each of your teeth before connecting them with wires. Finally, elastic bands are used to secure everything.
You will experience discomfort and tenderness in the gums and teeth within a few hours. This pain will most likely last a week. You will get used to your new braces’ sensation throughout this period. The wires and rubber bands pressure your teeth to gradually straighten them. This kind of pressure takes some getting accustomed to.
Tips for when your braces hurt
The braces do not cause pain; the irritation and inflammation of the mouth mainly cause the pain. If this occurs, you can try the home cures listed below:
- OTC pain medications
Simple over-the-counter pain medicines like paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can effectively treat any remaining discomfort. You can discontinue them after the discomfort has subsided.
- Eat soft foods
Soft meals, such as ice cream or macaroni and cheese, help soothe your gums. Avoid pointed items such as crusty bread, tortilla chips, nuts, and cereals, which can irritate the mouth and cause discomfort.
- Orthodontic wax
During treatment, your orthodontist will use orthodontic wax to form a barrier between the wires and your mouth, which you may also do at home. Simply massage it on sensitive spots, like a lip balm for your teeth.
- Rising with salt water
All tooth pain can be relieved by a teaspoon of salt dissolved in water. Gargle the salt-water solution as you would conventional mouthwash and rinse to soothe your lips, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks until they adapt.
Talk to a dentist today.
While wearing braces, a person may experience discomfort or agony. People usually only experience pain or discomfort when an orthodontist first fits their braces and after routine brace tightening. They may also experience pain if a component of the brace rubs or pokes into the inside of their mouth. You can consult a dental professional for more information.
