We often hear the phrase “growing pains” as if it’s a simple part of life, a small price to pay for progress. But anyone who has experienced them knows they are more than just a saying. They can be uncomfortable, unexpected, and sometimes difficult to work through. Still, they often signal that something important is changing. Orthodontic treatment follows a similar pattern. As your smile shifts into better alignment, moments of discomfort may come and go. These sensations are not setbacks. They are signs that your body is responding and moving forward. It is normal for our teeth to hurt during the journey with braces, but that soreness often reflects meaningful progress.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we are here to guide you through every stage of that journey. We take the time to explain why this discomfort happens and what it means for your treatment. Most importantly, we offer practical strategies to help you feel more comfortable and confident as your smile transforms.
Do Braces Hurt? What You Should Expect and Why
Braces work by applying steady, controlled pressure to your teeth. This pressure triggers a biological response inside your mouth that allows your teeth to move. The first part of your body to sense this force is the periodontal ligament. This ligament is a thin, sensitive layer of connective tissue that holds each tooth in place by attaching the tooth root to the surrounding bone. When pressure from the braces reaches this ligament, it causes one side to compress and the other side to stretch. In response, your body begins to reshape the bone around each tooth. It removes bone where pressure is applied and adds new bone where space is created. This process, known as bone remodeling, allows your teeth to shift into better alignment over time.
The soreness you feel after getting braces or having them adjusted is not just a side effect. It is a sign that this biological process is underway. The pressure from your braces alters the blood flow around your teeth, which can cause temporary discomfort. That tenderness is normal, especially in the first few days of treatment or after an adjustment. It means your body is responding and your treatment is progressing.
The Purpose Behind Regular Adjustments
Still, you might wonder why adjustments are needed so often, especially if each one brings some level of discomfort. The reason is simple. To keep your teeth moving efficiently and safely, it is essential to maintain the right amount of pressure over time. That requires careful, regular adjustments.
As your teeth move, the original pressure from the braces begins to fade. Adjustments restore the right level of force to keep your treatment moving forward. These visits also allow us to fine-tune the position of wires and brackets, helping your teeth reach their ideal alignment. By making gradual changes, we also reduce the risk of damaging your teeth or surrounding tissues and help minimize any discomfort.
What To Do When Braces Hurt: Simple Ways To Ease the Ache
Feeling sore after an orthodontic adjustment is a normal part of the process, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. There are several simple and effective ways to ease discomfort and support your treatment at the same time.
Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and ease soreness. Taking them just before or shortly after an adjustment may prevent discomfort from becoming too intense. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and ask us if you have any questions about what is safe to use.
Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress or ice pack held to your cheeks for 10 to 20 minutes can reduce swelling and numb the area. You can also sip cold water or enjoy soft, cold foods like smoothies or ice cream to help calm irritated tissue. Just avoid chewing on anything hard or frozen.
Opt for Soft Foods
After making adjustments, stick with foods that are easy to eat and require minimal chewing. Smoothies, soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are all gentle on sore teeth and gums. This gives your mouth a chance to rest while still providing the necessary nutrition.
Additionally, staying hydrated helps keep your mouth moist and reduces friction and irritation caused by braces. Water also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to discomfort.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing gently helps you stay clean without making sore spots worse. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time around brackets and wires. Clean braces are less likely to irritate your mouth, and good hygiene helps prevent other problems that could add to your discomfort.
Use Orthodontic Wax
If a bracket or wire rubs against the inside of your lips or cheeks, apply orthodontic wax to that area. The wax acts like a cushion, creating a smooth surface and helping prevent sores or irritation.
Think Braces Hurt More Than They Should? Let’s Talk
Most soreness from braces will ease within a few days. If the pain continues, feels unusually intense, or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter relief, contact us. We can arrange an appointment with our WNY orthodontists for you right away.
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