Sometimes orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort as the teeth are gently shifted into the correct position. This seems to be one of the biggest concerns for those undergoing orthodontic treatment as “are braces going to hurt,” is one of the most common questions we hear in our office.
The answer is that yes, your dental braces will likely make your teeth sore or uncomfortable. This is due to the changes in blood flow when pressure is applied to your teeth, as well as the inflammatory response of the body. The amount of pain you’ll experience during your orthodontic treatment will also depend on your stress levels, emotional state, age, and even gender. This is why some people say that braces weren’t a big deal for them and others seem to have had more problems.
Managing Orthodontic Pain
Because each person will respond to orthodontic pain differently, it’s important that you’re aware of the pain-relief options available to you. We recommend using over-the-counter pain medication to control the potential pain of your orthodontic treatment. Tylenol, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen have all been shown to help reduce the discomfort sometimes caused by dental braces. In addition, you can eat soft foods to reduce the pressure put on your orthodontic appliances and use dental wax to cover wires or brackets that may be causing pain or harm to the soft tissues of the mouth.
For more tips on how to manage any pain or discomfort caused by your orthodontic treatment, or to make an appointment with Dr. Garlock, please contact Garlock Orthodontics. Our office is located here in Aurora, Colorado.