Have you had dental braces? If so, did your teeth get sore after the adjustment period was over? You are not alone. This is a common problem that many people who have braces experience. Braces pain can be frustrating, especially for a child or teenager who is not used to pain.
This pain can start in the few days following the initial teeth adjustments and then continue on and off for weeks before finally going away completely. One expert says that it can go on for up to six months. Here we will explore the causes of pain after braces, managing it, and prevention techniques.
How Long Does It Take to Bond Braces
The processing of installing braces and bonding them to your teeth is called “cementation.” This process takes up to two weeks and may cause some discomfort, especially if you have had them on for years.
This discomfort is usually coupled with having teeth filed down to make room for the brace brackets. This process can be extremely painful, but the discomfort should subside in two days.
After your braces are cemented to your teeth, you will likely experience some discomfort and pain. This is normal and usually subsides in a few days. When you feel the throbbing ache of having braces, it is time to call in some pain reliever.
The Aftermath
If your teeth are sore after braces have been on for a while, you may need to call the dentist. Each patient is different in their experience with braces pain. Some people have almost no pain, while some can be in agony.
The dentist may need to adjust the way the braces are attached, or they may need to add pain killer medication directly into the gums. Experts say that this might be a sign of infection, and you should take antibiotics for ten days or so.
If you were not put on antibiotics and your teeth hurt after braces, you can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. However, some say that this will not be enough for the pain.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces do not always hurt when you get them, but there is a good chance they will after the initial teeth adjustments. However, this type of pain does not last long. In most cases, braces should be fitted in about two weeks and then cemented in place in another two weeks.
When your treatment time is over, you may be able to experience some soreness and discomfort for a week or two. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Prevention is the best medicine. If you have braces, you must have a mouth guard made. This mouthpiece will help save your teeth from being damaged. It can also reduce the amount of pain you experience when having braces put on.
Causes of Pain After Braces
One reason that braces pain is so common is that many of the teeth are being moved into new positions. The gums and bones in your mouth have to adjust to these changes. If you have had pain associated with wisdom teeth removal, you already know what this is like.
There are some other causes for toothache after braces, and they include:
1. Braces Caught on a Lip or Cheek
If you have had braces before, this may not be a problem. Once everything is healed, and the braces come off, you will no longer have problems with being caught by your braces on your lip or cheek. If this is a new occurrence for you, though, it could be because of loose wires or brackets.
2. Dry Mouth
The gums and surrounding tissues can become dry while wearing braces. This is caused by the saliva glands becoming less active because of sugary foods eaten while having braces. Saliva moistens food, breaks it down, and helps to protect your teeth by neutralizing the acids produced during the digestive process. Without saliva, the stomach acids can cause tooth enamel erosion and increase the risk of bacteria growth.
2. Pressure on the Gum Line
The placement of the braces might lead to gumline pain if they are perched too close to that part of your mouth. This can happen for several reasons, including:
• Brackets sliding down teeth after the initial adjustment.
• The adjustment period is too short, meaning that the teeth have not been allowed to settle into place.
• Inappropriate archwires or rubber bands.
3. Loose Brackets and Wires
It may be a good idea to get your teeth checked if you have had pain after braces and brackets or wires are hanging out. If this is the problem, your dentist can easily fix it.
4. Infection
If you have had braces pain that comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, redness of the gums, or other areas, then you should be evaluated for infection.
Tips To Deal With Temporary Pain After Braces
If you are feeling a little sore after your braces were cemented to your teeth, here are some tips that you can try:
· Relax and let the mouth get used to it.
• Use warm salt water mouth rinses to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Apply ice packs, which can reduce pain and swelling.
• Avoid foods that are hard or sticky, such as gum.
· Apply warm compresses to your face and swollen gums. For some people, this helps a lot with pain relief after braces.
· Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle.
Note: Please consult your dentist from West Hollywood before taking painkillers if you have a medical condition. If the pain is severe, please do not wait to see a doctor. It could be a sign of infection, and you may need antibiotic pills or shots.
Prevention of Pain After Braces
One reason that braces pain is so common in the first place is that people leave their orthodontic appointments with instructions and appliances but few details about how to care for them in-between visits. If you want to avoid pain after braces, then you need to do the following things:
• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
• Use mouth rinses for fresh breath and cavity prevention.
• Schedule regular checkups with your orthodontist.
There are some other ways that you can prevent pain after braces. They include:
• Keep a diary of what you eat and drink.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
• Use a straw when drinking any liquid.
Contact Us
Braces pain is something that many people experience, usually because the teeth are not yet in their new positions or because of brackets and wires that are not in the right place. However, you can still manage pain after braces successfully with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
At West Hollywood, we are pleased to provide our patients with the highest quality cosmetic dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility. We offer the newest technologies in dental care and strive for excellence with every treatment plan. Schedule your dental appointment today.
