Braces Pain: How To Find Relief During Orthodontic Treatment [Video Q&A]

Braces pain is one of the most common concerns patients bring to our office, either when deciding to move forward with an orthodontic correction or during treatment. The great news is that braces tend to cause temporary, tolerable discomfort. Most discomfort happens at predictable times, such as after braces are first placed or following routine adjustments.

You can manage mild braces pain at home by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying orthodontic wax, and eating soft foods. If pain persists, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that we can address during a follow-up visit.

Braces Pain Explained

Where does braces pain come from? Having braces placed on the teeth themselves shouldn’t cause pain. However, you might experience soreness and discomfort as the braces apply force to the teeth. The soreness typically begins within a few hours and lasts for a few days but should resolve on its own.

You might notice some tenderness around your teeth, and your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel sensitive as they adapt to the metal braces. This should dissipate soon after placement. Some patients find that this sensitivity is less noticeable if they choose ceramic braces or clear aligners.

Another time you may notice pain and sensitivity during treatment is soon after having your braces adjusted. Throughout your correction, you’ll periodically return to the office for your braces to be tightened. Each adjustment can briefly bring back soreness as your teeth respond to the updated pressure. These episodes are normal and tend to get shorter and milder as treatment progresses. The feeling of wires and brackets brushing up against the soft tissues in the mouth may cause mild sore spots or irritation.

These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but you can manage them at home with some simple yet effective strategies.

Relieve Mild Braces Pain at Home

Most braces pain is easy to manage at home. These strategies can make those first days after placement or an adjustment much more comfortable:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for mild pain and swelling.
• Use a cold compress for cooling relief.
• Eat soft foods to avoid additional irritation.
• Apply dental wax to the sharp areas of the wires.
• Use topical oral anesthetics as directed to numb sore spots.

With these simple steps, you can manage mild discomfort during your braces treatment. If at any point during the orthodontic plan you’re concerned you can’t tolerate the pain at home, give our office a call, and we will recommend what to do next.

When Persistent Pain Indicates a Bigger Issue

If pain persists beyond those first few days, there may be something the orthodontist needs to evaluate. Some reasons for lasting pain that may require intervention include:

• Broken or poking hardware: The uncomfortable sensation of poking or sharp metal edges could be quite irritating. In some cases, it indicates that the hardware has broken due to wear. In a follow-up visit, we can repair broken hardware and keep your correction on track.
• Excessive pressure: If pressure feels intense or does not improve after a few days, your orthodontist may need to check your braces and make sure everything is functioning as it should.
• Infection in the soft tissues: Swelling, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or unusual bleeding may be signs that the area needs prompt evaluation. We may prescribe antibiotics and coordinate with a general dentist to treat the underlying infection.
• TMJ strain: Jaw soreness, clicking, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth should be discussed with your orthodontist, especially if it does not improve.

Even though these situations don’t always signal a bigger issue, the bottom line is that orthodontic treatment shouldn’t cause lasting discomfort. You certainly don’t have to go it alone if you’re dealing with persistent pain. Call our office, and we can help identify the root cause of your discomfort to address it.

Schedule Your Free Consultation at Orthodontists Associates of WNY

Some amount of braces pain is to be expected. However, ongoing or persistent pain is not. When you choose our practice for orthodontic care, we make sure you know exactly what to expect throughout your treatment. We also give clear guidance on how to manage that pain at home and when pain indicates a more serious issue.

At Orthodontists Associates of WNY, we’re passionate about using braces as a tool to set you or your child on the path to optimal oral health. Our goal is to make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable and supported as possible. Come in for a free consultation today.