Pain after braces

A common question is whether there will be pain after braces are fitted. Yes, there is discomfort and pain in the beginning. Teeth take time to adapt to the new conditions. The body needs some time to get used to it.

After a while, you will get used to the braces and the pain will disappear. Soon you will start to see the first results: your teeth will be aligned and the shape of your face will start to change.

So, let’s discuss what type of pain is normal, why it occurs and how long it takes for visible results.

Feeling pain in your teeth after braces – is it natural?

It is normal for all patients to feel pain for some time after braces are fitted. In the first few days, pressure and slight tension are felt, but this is quite tolerable and does not interfere with daily life.
Each person adapts differently: some get used to it faster and some slower. The degree of discomfort also varies from noticeable to almost insensible. This is determined by both the complexity of a particular case and the individual characteristics of the body.

Causes of pain while wearing braces

Pain caused by wearing braces can be attributed to four main causes. Knowing the source of the pain helps to reduce anxiety and choose the right treatment option. Painful sensations indicate that the treatment process has begun. The tissues of the jaw are adapting and the teeth are moving. The ligaments gradually become accustomed to the changes and the pain eventually subsides.

Arch tension

The main cause of pain after braces is the pressure of the power arch. The metal wire constantly presses on the teeth and pulls them upward. Under the influence of the arch, the entire tooth and jaw system is remodeled. The roots of the teeth are displaced, tightening and shrinking, the ligaments are corrected, resorption and bone formation takes place. Compression of nerve endings leads to painful sensations.

Damage to the mucous membrane

Protruding elements of brackets and the arch can rub the mucous membrane of the mouth, causing painful erosions and ulcers. This problem is solved with the use of orthodontic wax and preparations that promote tissue regeneration.

High sensitivity

Polishing enamel before the installation of braces and frequent re-bonding can cause increased sensitivity. This is especially true with a problem bite, when the enamel wears away quickly. Teeth react to temperature and mechanical irritants, as well as acid from food. Hypersensitivity is eliminated through fluoridation procedures.

Discomfort in the jaw

Jaw pain can also be a normal reaction to braces. During treatment, bone realignment and jaw position changes occur. Jaw discomfort is more common when correcting complex anomalies.

How long your teeth hurt after braces and what to do

It takes a few days to a week and a half to get used to braces.
The bone of the upper jaw has a more porous structure, so it reacts more quickly to changes. The ligaments of the teeth of the upper jaw usually adapt to the strain in 3-5 days. The bone tissue of the lower jaw is denser, which makes the adaptation process longer — about 7-10 days.

The average duration of pain after braces placement depends on a number of factors:

sensitivity of the oral tissues
individual pain threshold
the nature of the pathology
specific features of the orthodontic design

Adaptation and sensation of braces

In the first 2-3 days after braces are fitted, there may be some moderate pressure or pulling pain, which decreases over time. Often after a week or two, the pain subsides completely, and in some patients even faster.
The friction of the individual elements of the bracket system against the soft tissues of the mouth can cause soreness, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, but these symptoms also gradually subside.
To alleviate discomfort, you can use a special wax, wound-healing gels and antiseptic solutions, which are sold in pharmacies. Waxes can be purchased separately or as part of orthodontic kits. Your dentist can help you choose the right products.

When you should see an orthodontist:

The pain gets worse after a few days and does not go away after 7-10 days. In this case, the arch may need to be replaced or the braces may need to be re-bonded.
There is a sharp aching pain when breathing air through the teeth or eating sweet and acidic foods, which may be a sign of enamel hypersensitivity. Remineralizing therapy may be necessary.
Swelling of the gums, cheeks or lips, as well as burning, may indicate an individual intolerance to the bracket material and a possible allergic reaction to metal systems.

Discomfort from braces after the arch is replaced

When the arch stops correcting your teeth, it is replaced with a new one. The new arch puts pressure on the teeth a little differently and more strongly 1. The discomfort returns, but it is less intense and short-lived than when the braces were originally placed because the ligaments have become accustomed to the pressure. The pain is much milder and usually subsides within a day.

Feelings after braces removal

The muscles, ligaments, and bones remember the original position of the teeth before correction. In adult patients, this information is retained longer. After braces are removed, the teeth may be sore due to the urge to return to their previous position. To avoid this, after bite correction, the system is left in place for 3-4 months and then retainers are fitted.

How to ease the pain of braces

Nutritional tips for a successful adjustment to braces:
Eat neutral foods To minimize mucosal irritation, try to avoid acidic, spicy and sweet foods.
Prefer soft foods Avoid hard foods that are difficult to chew and can get stuck in your braces, putting extra strain on your dentoalveolar apparatus.
The temperature of foods Too cold and hot foods, as well as sudden changes in temperature, are undesirable. They can increase tooth sensitivity and cause the braces to come off.
Ways to reduce the pain of braces without medication:
Cold compresses Helps relieve swelling in the first few days after the system is installed.
Gum massage Improves blood circulation, nourishes tissues and boosts metabolism. This reduces swelling, pain and strengthens the periodontium.
Gargles Reduce irritation and accelerate tissue healing. Prepare a solution: for 200 ml of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and salt each.

How long to wear braces

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies. However, you should not worry that you will have to wear braces indefinitely. In one case, it took a year to correct a diastema. In another case, the unerupted lower canine was in the mouth after 9 months.
In the simplest situations, braces are used for 6-8 months. In more complex anomalies, the teeth take longer to reach the correct position. Bite correction can take up to 2 years.
Timing of teeth alignment is individual. They will be determined only by an orthodontist after a comprehensive examination. In addition to the complexity of the pathology, the speed of treatment is affected by the material of braces and the type of system. It is important that the patient follows the orthodontist’s recommendations and attends all scheduled checkups to avoid delaying the process.