The question of whether orthodontic treatments hurt or generate a lot of discomfort is one of the main concerns of patients.
Many people who need to improve their occlusion and require a dental appliance fear that the pain will be too severe, but nothing could be further from the truth.
It is true that it is possible to experience some discomfort throughout the treatment, especially during the adaptation period, but it does not interfere with day-to-day life.
In addition, the advantages of orthodontics far outweigh any inconvenience, so we explain how to alleviate discomfort and which orthodontics is the least painful.
Why does orthodontics hurt?
The objective of orthodontic treatment is to correct any type of malocclusion problem.
This can only be achieved through small dental micro-movements in the arches that are performed gradually.
Thus, with the constant and adequate pressure of the appliance on the teeth, the dentition changes according to the orthodontist’s plan.
This sensation of pressure or pushing increases after each monthly check-up, when the dentist tightens the bracket ligatures and the archwire.
It is important to distinguish pressure from the fact that orthodontics hurts, because if it were as painful as we are made to believe, no child would be able to wear it.
We must put aside the myth of this pain and give it the name it deserves.
Dental malocclusion
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DENTAL MALOCCLUSION
When does orthodontics hurt?
The process of placing orthodontic dental appliances in the mouth is completely harmless.
It can only generate discomfort derived from having the mouth open for a longer period of time than we are used to.
However, once the orthodontist has completed the placement, it is common to notice a sensation that is usually described as “painful”:
As we have commented above, this pain is the expression of experiencing pressure to which we are not accustomed.
This discomfort is caused by an accentuated tension in the teeth.
Above all, this discomfort occurs when biting and in most cases subsides after 2 to 3 days.
They usually appear both when the appliance is fitted and after the orthodontist’s check-ups.
During these appointments, the dentist makes necessary adjustments to the orthodontic appliances.
But the pressure of the teeth is not the only reason why orthodontics can, at first, be somewhat uncomfortable.
When we put braces on, we find a foreign body in the mouth that takes some getting used to.
Because of this, and due to the friction with the oral mucosa, it is common for small sores or canker sores to appear on the tongue and inside the lip.
This is especially frequent in orthodontic treatments with brackets and its incidence is reduced in procedures with Invisalign.
Solve your doubts
The best way to lose the fear of orthodontic pain is to know why the discomfort occurs and how to alleviate it.
What other causes do we associate pain in orthodontic treatment with?
Apart from the reasons we have explained, pain is associated with other interventions that are carried out only if the specific case requires it.
Tooth extractions
On some occasions, tooth extractions are recommended, especially in severe cases of crowding.
If this is your case, we must clarify that extractions are performed under the effects of anesthesia and that, during the procedure, you will only feel a slight initial prick.
Once the anesthesia has worn off, you will usually begin to feel slight discomfort.
To mitigate the effect of these, the intake of painkillers is recommended.
In any case, you should not worry: the pain will subside approximately three days after the extraction.
Placement of micro-screws
Another procedure that can generate some fear in patients is the placement of micro-screws in orthodontics.
These are small implants that are temporarily placed in the maxillary bone when more complex movements are required.
Thanks to the screws, the appliance achieves the necessary strength and grip to carry out the displacement of the teeth.
It is a very simple procedure which, like extractions, is performed under local anesthesia.
The patient can lead a perfectly normal life and, in the event of any discomfort, the orthodontist will prescribe painkillers.
All orthodontic treatment requires a period of adaptation, but in the case of Invisalign there is hardly any discomfort.
Do all orthodontic systems generate the same discomfort?
Whenever we start orthodontic treatment, we assume the presence of an external agent in the mouth.
For this reason, a period of adaptation of the patient is always required, the duration of which depends on the orthodontic treatment chosen.
Orthodontics based on Invisalign clear aligners is the one that generates the least discomfort and the shortest adaptation period.
In addition, it is a method that does not have dental emergencies derived from the fall of a bracket or the rubbing of a wire against the mucosa because it does not have a metal part.
At the opposite extreme, we would find Incognito lingual brackets, those that are placed on the inner side.
This is the only method that is 100% invisible and is therefore a system chosen by many people who do not want the appliance to affect their image.
However, its placement requires an adaptation period of approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
This is due to the fact that, at the beginning, it generates discomfort in speech and the appearance of sores on the tongue is frequent.
Lingual braces at DrAW Dental Clinic
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LINGUAL BRACES
How can the discomfort derived from orthodontic treatments be soothed?
Depending on the cause of this discomfort, we can distinguish two different types of solutions:
Pain due to dental movements
We must clarify that any pressure on the teeth will generate an uncomfortable sensation, but it can be minimized.
Whenever our trusted orthodontist recommends it, we can resort to taking analgesic medication.
There are also anesthetic gels that can be applied directly to the affected surface.
Their action numbs the area and reduces the incidence of discomfort.
Wounds in the mouth (sores or aphthae)
Against chafing and sores, the most effective way is to use special orthodontic wax, which can be purchased in pharmacies.
To do this, simply make a small ball and apply it to the bracket or area of the appliance that is causing the discomfort.
As a complement, it is possible to purchase specific products in pharmacies to accelerate the healing of wounds.
DO YOU NEED BRACES?
What home remedies exist to alleviate the pain caused by orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a treatment that lasts several months, so we want to give you a series of tips to make it more bearable.
Take care of your oral hygiene
The most important thing is to take care of your oral hygiene and dedicate the necessary time to it.
The cleaning of the mouth is the basis of oral health and is essential to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease – gingivitis and periodontitis.
Since braces make hygiene difficult, it is convenient to use other types of utensils and not only limit ourselves to brushing.
Thus, interdental brushes and oral irrigators, such as Waterpik, are very effective in removing food debris trapped in the appliance.
Avoid certain foods
While you are adjusting to orthodontics, you can eat a diet based on soft foods to make it easier to chew.
Eating very cold foods also helps to alleviate discomfort, as they have a numbing effect on the area.
There are certain foods that should be avoided during treatment to prevent brackets from breaking or falling out, such as those that are particularly hard or sticky.
Pain in orthodontics
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ORTHODONTIC CHECK-UP
Check that everything is going well
Generally, check-ups with the dentist are done every month -and every 6 weeks or so in the case of Invisalign-.
But sometimes it is necessary to check with the orthodontist that everything is going well.
You should check your mouth to detect if any bracket is loose or if there is a wire out of position that is hurting you.
To do this, simply run your tongue over all your teeth before leaving the dentist’s office.
As you can see, the discomfort of orthodontics is very bearable and the patient can lead a normal life for the duration of the treatment.
Once the whole process is finished, you will be able to wear an aligned, harmonious and fully functional smile.
Thus, orthodontic treatments help us to maintain optimal oral health and improve our image.
If you are thinking of starting orthodontic treatment or have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
You can do so through our website or by calling +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽.
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