Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases.

Last Updated on February 18, 2023

When Do Braces Stop Hurting? Do Braces Hurt?

When Do Braces Stop Hurting?

 

First of all, have you ever considered getting at-home invisible aligners? They are MUCH cheaper than braces and they are INVISIBLE!! Check our in-depth article on them by clicking HERE.

Most people hate going to the dentists and with reason…It sometimes HURT to go there.

You are probably considering getting braces and you are wondering; When do braces stop hurting? Or maybe you got braces not long ago and you are wondering if the pain will ever go away. You can also get a free consultation from your orthodontist to see what is wrong.

When the dentist installs the braces is a painless process in most cases but you WILL find that it hurts in the first few days right after. This is normal, it means your teeth are getting straighter.

 

The First Few Days After Braces

YOU WILL experience mild to severe soreness after you get your braces for a few days.

You might also notice tooth and gum soreness, especially when chewing. You will most likely experience pain inside your cheeks from the archwire and brackets. Tongue soreness is to be expected also as it will run over your new braces repeatedly. Braces can cause a lot of pain or discomfort in your teeth and gums. Ice water can act as a pain reliever.

Do Braces Hurt When They Are Tightened Every Month?

 

Braces pain every time your braces are tightened every month or so. It is the most painful part of the braces treatment. It takes 1-2 hours to have braces put on your teeth and if you are new to wearing braces, the first weeks can be really tough as you may feel a lot of pain. Many of them ask Does it Hurt When You Get Braces Put On?

It will get better after a few days and you might need to eat soft foods after getting braces. It may take a couple of days to get used to it and take some pain relievers and follow the instructions given by your orthodontist. After a few weeks the discomfort shouldn’t be as bad as when you first got your braces on.

It is normal and part of the process when you first get them. The archwire must be pulled tighter over time in order to make your teeth straighter.

There are many DIY braces pain relief options, like the warm salt water rinse. Sometimes the food may get stuck in your brackets and wires, you need to clean them thoroughly. You may need to eat foods like mashed potatoes or easy to chew foods to get rid of discomfort. Use an ice-pack to reduce inflammation on your gums, at first you will feel like nothing is happening, but give it some time.

 

Why Do Braces Hurt?

 

They hurt because they are shifting the position of your teeth. It basically means your teeth are getting straighter.

The brackets from the braces can also create small cuts along the inside of the cheeks and this can be super painful.

If you happen to need jaw realignment and require rubber bands to be attached from top brackets to bottom brackets, this can also be quite painful in the jaw muscles.

 

How To Reduce The Pain Of Braces Treatment?

 

There is no way to completely eliminate the pain but you sure can reduce it.

The first one is to use over-the-counter pain relief. try Acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, and ibuprofen.

Ceramic braces are often more painful than metal braces so if the pain is your #1 issue, you should go with the metal ones.

Make sure to take care of your teeth during the orthodontic treatment! Tooth decay can be a major source of pain for braces patients.

Eat an easy-to-eat diet plan in order to feel less pain, especially just after an adjustment.

 

Best Braces-Friendly Foods?

 

Eating braces-friendly foods is the best way to make sure you won’t feel a lot of discomfort during your treatment.

Here is a list of foods you might consider during your treatment:

-Cheese

-Soup

-Ice cream

-Yogurt

-Sugar-free jello

-Mashed potatoes

-Hummus and salsa

-Smoothies

-Steamed vegetables

-Oatmeal

-Soft fruits

In most cases, your orthodontist will also provide you with a list like this.

Again, no pain no gain. If you feel pain it means your teeth are getting straighter (which is good).

Related Article:

 

 

 

3.9/5 - (38 votes)