Why Do Braces Hurt Teeth & Cause Discomfort?

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

When you go to an orthodontist to have an evaluation of the spacing of your teeth they are going to do some different exams to determine what is best for you. The orthodontist will usually do a visual exam and take some photographs. They also will take x-rays to show the position of each tooth and if you have any permanent teeth that have not grown in yet. After all this is done you can schedule an appointment to start your orthodontic care. It is always an exciting day when you start your treatment and unless you have had braces before of know someone that has them you may not be aware that you will possibly have some discomfort. There are a few things that are done before the whole set is attached to your teeth and some of these can cause some pressure or discomfort.

LEAVER & GARDNER ORTHODONTICS EXPLAINS WHY BRACES CAN CAUSE SOME DISCOMFORT OR PRESSURE.

Spacers Pain: If you are getting the standard metal braces as your treatment option you might need to have some space made to allow the metal band to fit around your tooth. The space is a rubber circle that is placed in the space that is needed and left to sit for a few days to open a small gap for the band. This can cause a small amount of pressure for a short amount of time. The teeth will move quickly and the rubber spacer is just there to keep it open until you go back in. You can easily eliminate the pressure if it seems to be too much by taking an over the counter Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Braces Pain: If you are having metal braces attached to your teeth as your choice for orthodontics you will notice that the actual metal bracket is not the part that hurts. They are glued to the surface of each tooth but they do not apply any pressure to the teeth in any way. The second part of the metal brace process is adding a wire and some rubber bands. This is the part of the process that is going to cause some pressure. You may find that biting down on hard foods will be uncomfortable and not feel too good. This is true each time that you go in and have your bands removed and replaced with new ones but the discomfort is short lived. The gum around the roots of each tooth is inflamed due to pressure and movement and that can cause some feeling of discomfort. This is only going to last around 24 hours and you should be back to normal after that.

ORTHODONTIC BRACES OPTIONS TO STRAIGHTEN TEETH IN THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY OF SUMMERLIN, NORTHWEST LV & HENDERSON NEVADA

Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics offers braces to help straighten your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.