At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia, we know from our years of orthodontic practice that most patients who opt for traditional braces have some concerns about potential discomfort or pain during their treatment. We take pride in our ability to provide personalized orthodontics for children, teens and adults! We believe that well-informed patients are happier patients. Let’s review the various stages of treatment with traditional braces, so you know better what to expect.
The First Day You Get Braces
When braces are initially placed on your teeth, you usually will feel no pain. You may feel a bit of discomfort, as you will need to keep your mouth open for intervals while your orthodontist carefully arranges the architecture of brackets and wires that ultimately correct your bite.
Several steps are involved:
- Drying your teeth.
- Applying glue.
- Attaching metal brackets in the center of each tooth.
- Connecting the brackets with arch wires.
Your First Week of Wearing Braces
This adjustment period typically causes some discomfort and an achy feeling in your teeth because your teeth are starting to align. You may feel a low-grade, steady pressure from the wires. The pain is not acute, but it can be annoying. The upside is that you can feel your braces working: your bite is already being brought into better alignment.
For relief, your orthodontist generally recommends:
- Taking an over-the-counter analgesic you know you can tolerate.
- Rinsing with warm salt water.
- Eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, pasta, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoiding acidic foods and drinks.
Some orthodontic patients develop mouth sores as they adjust to traditional braces. You can address this temporary challenge in two ways:
- Applying orthodontic wax over the metal area that is bothering you. Your orthodontist will teach you this technique and send you home with a supply of wax.
- Painting the sore area of your cheek with an over-the-counter oral anesthetic to ensure temporary numbness. This may help you fall asleep at night.
After Each Orthodontist’s Appointment
At each orthodontic appointment, adjustments typically are made to your braces to make your teeth move properly. Some typical adjustments in the course of treatment include:
- Configuring (bending) your arch wires differently.
- Exchanging heavier arch wires for lighter ones; or vice versa.
- Attaching elastic rubber bands of various lengths (and your choice of colors) to special hooks on your braces. Elastics usually stretch from the top to bottom jaws to correct malocclusions such as crossbite; and to move your teeth properly must be worn 24/7 except for eating and brushing your teeth.
These adjustments may cause discomfort for a few days after the appointment, as your teeth realign. Again, an over-the-counter pain reliever that works for you can be used occasionally to relieve any pain or bothersome discomfort.
Your First Six Months
Most orthodontic clients report they have acclimated to their braces within their first month. After six months, patients reach a point where they don’t usually notice their braces except to practice the specific oral hygiene care routine — including brushing and flossing after meals and avoiding certain sticky or hard foods — recommended to keep teeth healthy while wearing braces. And of course you need to change elastics if your orthodontist has prescribed them.
Having straight teeth goes beyond having a perfect smile. The proper alignment of your bite can relieve the stress and discomfort felt in your muscles and teeth, and can prolong the life of your teeth. With healthy teeth, you’ll have more than one reason to smile!
At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia, we look forward to helping you correct your bite for a lifetime of healthier, happier teeth. Please contact us at (804) 739-0963 or schedule your complimentary consultation online.