Do Braces Hurt? An Orthodontist in Far North Dallas Reveals The Truth

Are you looking forward to having a smile you’re proud to show off, but anxious about getting braces because you don’t know what to expect? You’ve always heard that braces can hurt and be uncomfortable, but you don’t want to go into your treatment with a bad mindset. An orthodontist in far North Dallas lets you know how to manage your discomfort and get the most out of your procedure. Read on to ease your anxiety and know what to expect from your treatment.

Placing Your Braces

The day your braces get put on, you’ll probably experience slight discomfort as you do daily tasks like chew and speak because your mouth needs a little time to adjust. Be sure to take it slow and stick to eating softer foods like soup, pasta, and soft dairy products like yogurt and ice cream. This can make it easier on your mouth while it’s adjusting and help ease any pain.

The First Few Days After You Get Your Braces

The first week or so after you get your braces your mouth will still be adjusting, and you may experience some discomfort when your teeth begin to move into their ideal positions. To help get used to the pressure that the wires are putting on your teeth, you can take over-the-counter pain medication. Also, if you experience some friction and rubbing from your braces against the inside of your lips, try applying some wax. Your orthodontist can also help with tips and instructions on how to use these basics for braces. Most patients notice their discomfort subsides after about five days.

Appointments With Your Orthodontist

Braces in far North Dallas place a strategic and specific amount of pressure on your mouth in order to realign your teeth. When you visit your orthodontist for an appointment, they’ll adjust the wires and change the elastic binders as your teeth begin to adjust. Continuously tweaking your braces allows your teeth to keep moving until they’ve reached their ideal positions.

Dealing With Any Discomfort

There is a bit of discomfort associated with getting braces, but it’s manageable. When you experience any pain, you can easily combat it with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with any soreness or headaches. You can also rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water and place an ice pack on the outside of your mouth to help with swelling.

It’s completely normal to wonder how much braces will impact your life. In terms of pain and discomfort, it’s typically easy to manage, and your orthodontist can also offer you suggestions on how to alleviate the specific pain you’re experiencing. Typically, the adjustment period is just a few days, and after that, you can begin looking forward to your new-and-improved smile.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we offer the services of several dentists with an impressive amount of collective experience and knowledge. Our team of professionals provides comprehensive care to your family under one roof. Whether you’re looking for board-certified pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, or prosthodontists, we offer high-quality care from the best. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact 972-490-1600.