Still on the fence about getting braces thinking they might hurt?
Braces shouldn’t cause pain. But every person is different. Your experience can vary depending on the type of braces applied to your teeth, what stage you are in your treatment, and your tolerance level for discomfort.
It helps to know what to expect before, during, and after placing braces. Adjustment is necessary, and, as you go along, you’ll find any discomfort easier to manage.
Getting braces placed on your teeth
Braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth to move them to their desired position. Over time, the jaw shape and facial profile conforms to the changes in your teeth alignment.
When your orthodontist places your braces, you might not feel any discomfort. Part of the process is putting bands around your back molars, which may feel uncomfortable because of the pressure.
The discomfort may also start to set in after a few hours as you experience tightness in your teeth. This could last for a day up to a week.
Eating can take time as you’re still getting used to your braces. Chewing can bring discomfort, so it helps to avoid hard or crunchy food in the meantime.
Speaking may also feel a bit awkward with a new appliance in your mouth.
On your first week of wearing braces
Braces put stress on your teeth, and this causes soreness. On your first week with your braces on, here are more things you can expect:
Your teeth are starting to realign, so hang in there. Your orthodontist will provide you with silicone wax that you can apply to your brackets or wire ends to protect your lips and inner cheeks.
You may also take over-the-counter medications as prescribed by your dental team to relieve the discomfort. Warm salt water rinses may also reduce soreness.
After a week of getting your braces placed
Any discomfort related to your braces should have improved after a week. You’re slowly getting used to them, and you can start adding more food choices to your diet.
You might be indulging in your favorite hard or crunchy dishes again, although they may still need some work. To avoid damaging your braces, make it a habit to break down food into small chunks.
During periodic tightening of your braces
You must see your orthodontist periodically, often once a month, for brace adjustment.
The elastic bands around the teeth are replaced and tightened to add pressure to your teeth. Your progress is also evaluated. This part can be thrilling for younger children as they get to choose the band color they want.
On the other hand, periodic brace adjustments may make you feel like getting braces again, for the first time. The difference is that your mouth has already adjusted, so you may only feel sore around your teeth and gums. But you’ll be able to eat, chew, and speak as usual.
Relieving discomfort while wearing braces
Today’s dental braces come with lighter and more comfortable materials. Although discomfort is unavoidable, it’ll subside in a few days or as soon as you acclimate yourself to your braces.
Here are some tips to ease soreness in your mouth.
Know more about getting braces in Kitchener, ON
While braces can cause discomfort, the results are well worth the effort. And you won’t go through the journey alone. Your dental team will help make it as pleasant as possible.
At Orthodontic Smile Studio, we understand patients have varying thresholds for pain. We educate you about what happens throughout your treatment process and offer support where needed.
Braces are effective in enhancing the form and function of your teeth. And we love witnessing how this procedure can change a smile and a person’s life, altogether.
If you’re in Kitchener, ON, and have more questions about how braces work and what you can expect from them, contact us today at (548) 800-0496.
Find us in The Boardwalk shopping centre on the second floor of building 235. We’re just across the parking lot from Staples and above Popeyes and Booster Juice.
Thinking about straightening your teeth often raises 1 big question: How long will this take? At Orthodontic Smile Studio, our team knows you want a smile you feel great about, and you also want to know what the journey looks like. It’s completely normal to be curious about what you’re signing up for. It’s important […]
For many people with mild to moderate underbites, Invisalign® treatment can be an effective way to guide teeth into a healthier alignment. […]
While cleaning your teeth every day is what matters most, flossing before brushing is more effective for a healthy smile. […]
You can clean your retainer through simple daily brushing and occasional deep soaks with safe, accessible solutions. […]
Yes, Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment. […]
Yes, braces can change the appearance of your jawline, typically as a result of correcting your bite and aligning your teeth. […]
The good news is that many dental insurance plans offer coverage for Invisalign®, often treating it in the same way as other types of braces. […]
For starters, drinking coffee while wearing your aligners is not recommended. You can, however, remove your aligners and drink coffee while they’re off. […]
A clicking noise when you use your jaw can have many causes, including bruxism (teeth grinding) and malocclusion (bite misalignment), but a common cause that we’ll focus on in this post is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
[…]
Yes and no, it depends on the complexity of your case.
[…]
Every time you remove your aligners to eat or drink, make a habit of rinsing them with cold or lukewarm water, along with a daily deep cleaning to keep them bacteria-free. Here are 4 simple and effective methods:
Invisalign Cleaning System
A Soft-bristled Toothbrush (sans toothpaste)
Retainer Cleaning Tablets
White Vinegar Solution
[…]
Read More… from How to Effectively Clean Invisalign Retainers
When flossing with braces, use the flossing tool of your choice to curve the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth. You can use a floss threader to help pull the floss underneath your braces to clean deeper. You can also use a water flosser if needed. […]
Getting braces can bring numerous positive changes to your smile. But along with the excitement of improving your bite or teeth positioning comes the responsibility of caring for your braces. One of the most important adjustments? Changing what you eat. Certain foods, such as hard or sticky snacks can damage your braces, causing discomfort and […]
Discover 10 foods to avoid with braces and learn tips from Orthodontic Smile Studio for braces-friendly eating to keep your smile healthy and strong! […]
Read More… from Can You Eat Popcorn with Braces? 10 Foods to Avoid
Here are some signs that your child may need braces or orthodontic devices. […]
Read More… from Did your dentist recommend braces for your child?
How an orthodontist corrects dental issues like overbite and misalignment. A beautiful smile is magnetic. It boosts confidence and creates a positive first impression. If you’re […]
What to expect when getting braces, along with tips on how to adjust to your orthodontic appliance. If you’re being fitted for braces, you’re probably curious how the process will […]
Whether you have protruding, crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, there’s an orthodontic solution to fit your lifestyle and needs. […]
Learn more about the pros and cons of Invisalign® and traditional braces, and which option may be more suitable for your case. […]
Read More… from Is Invisalign® better than traditional braces?
We talk about whether Invisalign is ideal for both children or adults, and some factors to consider to find out if you’re ready for the treatment. […]
Here’s what you can expect after getting dental braces. Thinking about getting dental braces but worried that they might hurt? Dental braces are an orthodontic appliance […]
Here’s when children can start coming in for an orthodontic evaluation. Having a straight set of teeth improves oral health and boosts self-confidence. Teeth that are properly […]
Here’s a list of food you can enjoy while wearing braces. Your diet doesn’t have to be boring because you’re getting orthodontic work. What can I eat with braces? Obviously […]
Here’s why you shouldn’t miss your regular dental appointments while wearing braces. […]
Read More… from Should I still see my dentist while wearing braces?
A few tips and tricks for helping your Braces stay clean. […]
See what an overbite is and if using braces is enough to correct it. […]
Gapped teeth can be a cosmetic and oral health issue. Here’s how braces can correct them. […]
Getting braces has its share of challenges. Learn more about them in this post. […]
Let’s talk about what getting dental braces can feel like and what you can expect as you adjust to them. […]
Are genes to blame for having crooked teeth? Let’s talk about factors that affect your smile and what you can do to improve it. […]
How braces can affect your face shape and what you can expect from the orthodontic procedure. […]
Explore what a dentist is, what an orthodontist is, and the key differences between them. Read on. […]
Read More… from What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Here’s how Smile Direct Club and mail order aligners work and what dental professionals think about them. […]
Read More… from Do orthodontists recommend Smile Direct Club?
Check out these tips to maintain proper teeth and jaw development and help prevent the need for braces. […]
Here’s how an orthodontist can help you achieve your smile goals. […]
Braces may be necessary if you see or want to change these traits in your smile. […]
Read More… from How Do I Know If I Need Braces: 5 Factors to Consider
Here’s an overview of the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces and when they may be more suitable for your case. […]
Let’s talk about whether there’s a right age to start getting braces. […]
Read More… from How Old Does My Child Have to Be to Get Braces?
Here are some cases where braces are likely to be helpful. A visit to an orthodontist would be a great way to find out more. […]
An orthodontist can offer long-term solutions for breathing and airway issues, helping promote good oral health and overall wellness. […]
Read More… from How Orthodontic Procedures Can Help With Breathing Problems
Oral and general health problems that myofunctional therapy can help address and what you can expect during sessions. […]
Here are some signs it may be time to consider braces or orthodontic procedures for your child. […]
Here’s how long adults can expect to wear braces until their desired results are achieved. […]
Read More… from Do Braces Need to Stay on Longer for Adults?
Let’s answer one of the most commonly asked questions about getting dental braces. […]
Read More… from How Long Does Someone Typically Need to Wear Braces?
Here are some signs a child may require dental braces or orthodontic treatments down the road. […]
Read More… from Can You Tell Me if My Child Will Need Braces?
Here’s how Invisalign aligners are meticulously customized for every wearer. […]
Read More… from How is Invisalign Made: The Process and Requirements
Hi! I’m Dr. Caley Höediono. I have noticed some confusion people have between orthodontists and dentists; and I’m here to offer clarity from an orthodontist’s viewpoint. […]
Read More… from What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Discover all about braces and Invisalign, learning about the pros and cons of each to help you find the best fit for you. […]
Discover the difference between braces and Invisalign and what’s right for your smile with Dr. Caley Hoediono at Orthodontic Smile Studio in Kitchener. […]
Read More… from What Is the Difference Between Braces & Invisalign?
Discover how early orthodontic care can improve alignment, prevent dental issues, & boost your child’s confidence for a lifetime of healthy smiles. […]
Read More… from 5 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Growing Smiles
Invisalign & braces are 2 effective orthodontic treatments. Learn more about which is right for your smile with Orthodontic Smile Studio. […]
Read More… from Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Right for Your Smile?
Looking for adult braces in Kitchener, ON? Discover what to expect, including treatment time, pain, & available options with Orthodontic Smile Studio. […]
Read More… from Getting Braces as an Adult: What to Expect from the Process
