Does adjusting brackets hurt?

Family Dentist in Houston

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, there is usually concern about possible pain that can be experienced when wearing the appliances. An orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort, but usually it is not excessively serious.

In the following article we will review its stages and, above all, what the bracket adjustment phase consists of and what is the pain that can appear when doing it.

Pain in the early stages of braces treatment

The procedure usually begins with the placement of bands around the molars. This may involve light pressure or pinching, but it won't be painful. Subsequently, the orthodontist, using a special adhesive, will stick the brackets on each of the teeth and then connect them by means of an arch. Finally, everything is secured with elastic bands.

Wires and ligatures put pressure on the teeth to slowly straighten them. Getting used to such pressure usually takes some time. Within a few hours of placement, some pain and discomfort will begin to develop in the teeth and gums. This pain usually lasts for about a week, which can be alleviated by taking pain relievers that the orthodontist may prescribe. During that time, we will get used to the feel of your new braces.

During the first week after the placement of the brackets, you may experience pressure and pain in the teeth and gums, especially when chewing. Sores or pain may appear on the inside of the cheeks. There may also be discomfort or small cuts on the tongue if it has been passed over the brackets.

How to relieve the pain of newly placed braces

This pain can usually be controlled with pain relievers. Specialists also recommend taking the following soft foods that do not involve excessive chewing:

Soup.

Mashed potatoes.

Yogurt.

Ice cream.

Cold drinks, as these can also help soothe swollen gums.

At the same time, it is also advisable to avoid other foods such as popcorn, hard candies and chewing gum, as they can damage and loosen the brackets, causing them to dig in and cause injuries and, consequently, pain.

Most people get used to braces in about a month. After the first six months, they may not even be noticeable, although it is normal to experience some pain from time to time during treatment. These usually last about two years.

What is a bracket adjustment?

When braces are worn, it is necessary to visit the orthodontist every few weeks to make the necessary adjustments and that the treatment progresses. In these appointments, the orthodontist evaluates the teeth and checks the amount of pressure that the brackets are transmitting to you. As your teeth move and the stress decreases, the braces lose effectiveness. At each visit, your specialist tightens the wires, springs, or elastic bands to increase the tension.

The main reason braces need adjustment is to make sure teeth move effectively. Initially, the wires that connect the brackets exert a lot of pressure, but as the teeth are repositioned, the pressure decreases. This indicates that the appliances need to be adjusted and tightened. The orthodontist uses new elastics and rubber bands to adjust the brackets and archwires so that they do not stop applying gentle pressure to move the teeth making sure they move in the right direction.

Changing these archwires that hold the brackets together can cause pain and discomfort for a few days. The discomfort should not be as severe as when the braces were first placed. After a few days, the new pressure on the teeth will gradually disappear. Taking an analgesic should be enough to control the pain.

How much does it hurt to remove the brackets at the end of the treatment?

The last phases of an orthodontic treatment continue with the removal of the brackets once finished. When the brackets are removed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, removing any remaining adhesive.

Removing the braces is clearly a relief, but it does not mean that the orthodontic treatment is finished. It is necessary to wear retainers. Retainers are custom made, usually made of plastic, and prevent the teeth from returning to their original positions, so at first they will have to be worn all day until the bone and gums settle. The use of retainers does not usually involve any discomfort or pain.

Most pain caused during orthodontic treatment can be treated with pain relievers such as paracetamol. The orthodontist may also prescribe NSAID-type pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can also help reduce inflammationtion of the gums.

To avoid rubbing the brackets on the inside of the cheeks, soft wax can be placed on them. The wax provides a protective barrier that reduces the chance of cuts or sores. If a wire or bracket becomes dislodged or unbonded, it may rub and cause pain. In these cases it is necessary to go to the orthodontist immediately.

Source: adeslasdental

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