Are Metal Braces Painful?

 Many people fear pain in getting metal braces, and so they don’t choose braces to fix their orthodontic issues. They don’t realise, but they are making a huge mistake, as if their orthodontic concern is not corrected with braces, they would develop serious dental concerns in the future. These issues can further impact their confidence, smile/ facial aesthetics, and overall health. Braces treatment in Delhi - does not hurt, but they are tolerable to get and maintain. Every patient shares a different experience with metal braces.

 

In this blog, Dr. Ravneet Kaur, our top-rated orthodontist, discusses what discomfort to expect with teeth straightening using metal braces and suggests tips for pain relief. Through this read, Dr. Ravneet Kaur hopes patients who were avoiding braces solely because of the pain they bring, receive braces treatment without worrying about discomfort. 

 



Stage-Wise Treatment Experience with Metal Braces

 

1. Getting Metal Braces Fixed: Before fixing the metal braces system, some patients receive spacers or separators for 1-2 weeks. Till they are worn, the patient can feel tightness and soreness. On installation of the metal brackets, archwires, and elastic bands, usually, there is no immediate pain felt. 


When bands are placed around the molars, they can be temporarily discomforting due to pressure, but not painful. The gluing of teeth to metal brackets and connecting of each bracket to archwires, and finally, elastic bands, causes no discomfort.

 

2. Wearing Metal Braces: After a few hours of getting the metal braces fixed over the teeth, the braces can start putting gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually get the teeth into alignment. This can lead to pain and discomfort, lasting for 1-2 days or even a week. 


In the week following getting braces, the patient can expect sore gums, sores or scrapes on the inside of the cheeks and even tongue, and sore teeth (after eating).


Slowly, the patient adjusts to braces in their mouth and feels no discomfort. But, when the braces are periodically adjusted as per the treatment progress, some level of discomfort, just as felt while getting braces, can be experienced in some cases. The tightening of elastic bands causes no new abrasions inside the mouth but only sore, painful teeth and gums.

 

3. Removing Metal Braces: Metal braces are typically kept in a patient’s mouth for 1-3 years to achieve a straight smile. When braces are taken off, the patient may experience some discomfort. After the braces are removed, the patient may need a retainer for a specified time period. This causes no discomfort. 


But wearing retainers or braces and facing difficulty in the proper cleaning of teeth can lead to dental caries and gum disease, which can be painful.

 

Orthodontist-Recommended Pain-Relieving Tips

 

The pain or discomfort felt at any stage of the Braces treatment in Gurgaon is usually mild to moderate and usually subsides within a few days of the treatment. 


However, in the meantime, the pain or discomfort can be managed if the patient follows these tips:

 

  • Take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

  • Rinse mouth with a warm saltwater prepared by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of warm water.

  • Be on a soft and cold diet that includes ice cream, soup, or yoghurt, as they don’t need a lot of chewing, which could be painful with metal braces.

  • Relieve the soreness of teeth, gums, or mouth with an ice pack covered in cloth.

  • Apply a numbing cream, gel, or solution over the gums with the help of clean fingers and a cotton swab to feel no pain.

  • Apply a soft wax over the inside of the cheeks, the mouth roof, and gums to avoid abrasions and associated discomfort.

  • Do not have sticky, spicy, and hard foods that could get trapped between the teeth and damage the braces.

  • Properly clean the teeth and in between braces to avoid dental caries and gum disease.

  • Do not miss follow-ups with the orthodontist, and if there is severe discomfort or serious complications after getting braces or retainers, visit an orthodontist for relief from issues. 

 

Where to See an Orthodontist for Metal Braces?

 

Smiles by Dr. Ravneet Kaur can be the right place for you to receive metal braces treatment and have a comfortable treatment experience without stressing your budget. Dr. Ravneet Kaur is a top-rated Orthodontist in Delhi who practices at Smiles by Dr. Ravneet Kaur. 


Schedule a consultation with him today to see if metal braces will work for you.

 

 


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