Wearing braces reinvigorates and restores your smile. However, it’s common to experience occasional bouts of soreness during treatment. Your jaw, gums, and teeth may feel temporary episodes of discomfort after getting your braces set in place or while wearing new aligner sets.
While braces pain happens, most people agree that their gorgeous final results are worth the occasional moments of inflammation.
Learn more about the causes of braces pain and some tried-and-true methods for relieving braces pain.
What Causes Braces Pain?
Damon System braces and clear aligners offer a more comfortable treatment that is lightyears ahead of other appliances. Unlike old school braces — which use heavy-duty wires that rub against your sensitive soft tissue — Damon System braces and clear aligners offer a much more relaxed and convenient treatment.
That said, it’s common for some people to experience light soreness during the beginning of their treatment. There is no single cause of braces pain. Both external factors and internal factors affect your overall comfort level.
At the beginning of your Damon Braces treatment, some people experience discomfort because of the appliance. Within a few days, your body adapts to these new conditions, and eventually, you won’t feel it at all.
Likewise, some people may experience irritation when switching aligner trays. A gentle ache is expected because the new tray is moving your teeth into their ideal position. Over time, your soft tissue adapts to the new tray, and there will be no more irritation in your cheeks and gums.
At Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics, we believe that your treatment should emphasize your comfort. Damon Braces and clear aligners are much more advanced and friendly options for achieving a natural smile.
What Helps Relieve Braces Pain?
Braces pain is only temporary, and as your mouth adjusts, any discomfort will eventually lessen.
Here are some tips for how to offset the mild episodes of braces pain:
- Change your diet: choosing softer foods can help during this stage of treatment. Soft-cooked veggies, soup, oatmeal, and pasta may be your go-to the first few days after an adjustment.
- Brush carefully: making a small investment in an extra soft bristle toothbrush can ease discomfort or sensitivity.
- Wear a mouthguard: if you participate in contact sports, then make sure to wear a protective mouthguard.
- Apply heat or ice: the use of ice or heat to lessen pain is one of the best ways to help the pain. Devices like ice packs or heating pads are cost-effective ways to help sore smiles.
Sometimes these steps aren’t enough. If that’s the case, there are many over-the-counter products that you can use to relieve your braces pain.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease these feelings as your body adjusts to your treatment. Additionally, oral anesthetics can desensitize the affected area. Please be careful with any of these products as they may become habit-forming.
Although these are effective at lessening pain, the best way to reduce pain is a little patience. Time will make you forget any discomfort while you enjoy the perks of a less invasive treatment from Damon Braces or clear aligners.
If you have pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, then contact our office.
Get Relief From Braces Pain With Board-Certified Orthodontists
The idea of a bit of pain can turn off many people from seeking treatment. However, any discomfort during treatment is fleeting. The reality is: your stunning new smile will make you forget that you ever felt any pain at all.
The professionals at Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics love helping patients achieve their best smiles. Start your smile journey now by requesting a consultation at one of our locations. You can also call us directly at (251) 479-9597.
We can’t wait to help you achieve your smile goals!
