Braces are a common orthodontic treatment designed to straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth, and to correct issues like overbites. If you’re considering braces or preparing for your first appointment, one of the most common questions is: Do braces hurt? The experience varies from person to person. However, understanding what to expect during the process can help you feel more at ease.
Getting Braces: The Initial Appointment
Before getting braces, some people may need spacers. These are small rubber bands placed between their teeth. This process lasts for about a week or two. These spacers are used to create space for the bands that will be placed around the molars. Spacers can feel tight and uncomfortable. It is similar to the sensation of having food stuck between your teeth. However, the discomfort usually fades after a couple of days.
Once spacers are in place (if needed), the process of actually getting braces begins. Here’s what happens:
- Placement of Bands: Your orthodontist will first fit bands around your back molars. This part may involve some pressure and can feel a little uncomfortable or even cause a slight pinch, but it shouldn’t be painful.
- Etching and Gluing: After the bands are in place, the orthodontist will clean the teeth with a sour-tasting etching solution. While the taste can be unpleasant, it doesn’t cause pain. Then, they apply a special glue to the teeth to hold the brackets in place.
- Brackets and Wire Placement: The brackets are attached to each tooth using the glue, and blue light is used to harden it. The final step is inserting the archwire, which connects all the brackets and provides the pressure needed to move the teeth.
While the process may be uncomfortable at times, most people don’t experience pain during the actual fitting of the braces.
The First Few Days with Braces
After your braces are put on, you may not feel pain right away. However, as the pressure of the braces begins to align your teeth, you may start to experience discomfort within a few hours. This is completely normal and can last from a day or two to up to a week.
Some common things you may experience include:
- Sore gums and soft tissue irritation
- Scrapes or sores on the inside of your cheeks due to the metal brackets rubbing against them
- Cuts on the tongue if it brushes against the braces
- Tooth sensitivity, especially when eating food
These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve after your mouth adjusts to the braces. After the initial period, many people find that the discomfort decreases and the braces feel more comfortable.
Regular Adjustments: Tightening Braces
Braces need to be adjusted periodically to ensure that your teeth continue to shift into the desired position. During these adjustment appointments, the orthodontist may:
- Replace the archwire
- Tighten the bands
- Add springs to the braces for additional pressure
You may feel discomfort during and after the adjustment, similar to the sensation when you first got your braces. However, as your cheeks and tongue have had time to adjust, new abrasions are less likely.
These adjustments are typically scheduled every 4-6 weeks. The discomfort that follows is usually short-lived and subsides within a few days.
Removing Braces: What to Expect
On average, braces are worn for 1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of your dental issues. When it’s time to remove your braces, you may experience some mild discomfort as the orthodontist removes the brackets, wires, and bands. Once the braces are off, your teeth will be cleaned to remove any remaining glue.
After removing your braces, the orthodontist will fit you for a retainer. A retainer is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions after the braces come off. Some retainers are removable and can be worn at night or throughout the day, while others are fixed in place. Both types should not cause discomfort if worn properly.
Maintaining Oral Health During Treatment
Braces can make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, so it’s crucial to brush and floss carefully. Food can get trapped between the brackets, so thorough cleaning is necessary to avoid cavities and tooth decay. Make sure to:
- Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use floss threaders or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods that could damage the braces or contribute to decay
When Do Kids Get Braces?
Orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 8 and 14, when a child’s adult teeth have fully emerged. However, adults can also get braces if needed, as orthodontic treatment is not limited to childhood or adolescence. If you’re considering braces for your child, visit an orthodontist to determine the best time to start treatment.
Final Thoughts
While getting braces may involve some discomfort, the benefits far outweigh the temporary soreness. The initial adjustment period usually doesn’t last long, and as you get used to your braces, you’ll be able to enjoy the process of straightening your teeth. Regular adjustments, good oral hygiene, and following your orthodontist’s instructions will help ensure a successful and relatively comfortable treatment.
If you’re thinking about getting braces or want to know more, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. They can provide personalized advice on the best options for your specific needs.