Anytime you have a fixed or removable appliance in your mouth that wasn’t there previously, it’s safe to assume you might feel a little strange. It’s normal for patients to worry about pain and discomfort, but Clauss Orthodontics is here to offer you some education and reassurance!
Discomfort vs Pain
There’s a definite distinction between being uncomfortable and being in pain with an orthodontic appliance, and usually, discomfort is the more common of the two for patients.
- Initial Pressure: After your braces or aligners are placed, you may notice a gentle pressure as your teeth start to shift. This sensation means your treatment is progressing as planned.
- Adjustments: After regular adjustments or switching aligners, temporary soreness can occur for a day or two. These adjustments help move your teeth closer to their ideal positions.
Most people find this sensation manageable and temporary, and there are plenty of tools and remedies you can use to help.
How Uncomfortable Are Orthodontic Appliances?
We want to preface this section by reminding you that you will be perfectly comfortable the vast majority of your time under our care, but being aware of some of the physical characteristics of our three main treatment options can be helpful.
Metal Braces
- Possible initial irritation from wires or brackets, which typically diminishes quickly.
- Temporary soreness after adjustments is usually manageable within a day or two.
- Orthodontic wax can soothe rough edges and improve overall comfort.
- Highly durable, effective, and traditionally more affordable.
Clear Braces
- Function similarly to metal braces but with a less noticeable appearance, appealing to teens and adults seeking subtle treatment.
- Initial irritation might occur, similar to metal braces, but many patients prefer clear braces for their aesthetics.
- Requires careful maintenance to prevent staining of brackets.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Often the most comfortable choice due to the smooth, plastic material.
- Mild pressure may occur with each new set of aligners as your teeth gently shift.
- Removable aligners allow easier oral hygiene and dietary flexibility.
- Popular among adults and older teens for convenience and discretion.
Tips to Ease Soreness
If you do encounter some tenderness, our team is happy to recommend some solutions to make it more tolerable. Remedies suggested by Dr. Clauss will vary based on the patient’s age and preferences, but there are always ways to help.
- Take Mild Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease temporary soreness effectively.
- Apply Orthodontic Wax: Smooth sharp edges or wires to avoid irritation to your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
- Warm Saltwater Rinse: A gentle rinse with warm salt water soothes sensitive gums and irritated soft tissues.
- Cold Compresses: Applying cold packs externally can reduce inflammation, swelling, and tenderness around your mouth.
- Soft Foods Diet: Opt for softer meals like soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies, and shakes after orthodontic visits to minimize stress on your teeth.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports overall oral health and can help alleviate temporary sensitivity or soreness.
Orthodontic Emergencies vs. Normal Sensations
It’s important for our patients to recognize the difference between normal sensations and situations requiring immediate attention from Dr. Clauss:
Normal Feelings Include:
- Mild tooth pressure or sensitivity, particularly after adjustments
- Temporary tenderness lasting no longer than a few days
- Brief irritation from brackets or wires is manageable with orthodontic wax
Seek Immediate Care For:
- Severe, ongoing, or increasing pain
- Loose brackets or bands causing discomfort or impacting treatment
- Broken wires that poke into the gums, cheeks, or tongue
- Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection in your mouth
If any of these situations arise for yourself or a family, contact Clauss Orthodontics as soon as possible for assistance. Early intervention allows us to maintain time-effective, comfortable treatment. You can find more information about orthodontic emergencies on our website.
The Long-Term Benefits
You’ve heard the saying “keep your eye on the prize.” This is an excellent mantra for Dr. Clauss’s patients—it can be helpful to remember the end goal when you experience occasional discomfort.
- Improved Functionality: Correcting your bite alignment with braces or aligners supports more comfortable chewing, clearer speech, and better overall oral function in the long run.
- Boosted Self-esteem: Feeling great about your smile can seriously enhance your confidence, impacting both your social interactions and professional experiences.
- Prevention of Future Dental Problems: Aligning your teeth properly can help avoid issues like premature tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.
When the going gets tough, remember the final goal of a transformed smile—and remember that it takes time!
Your Constant Source of Support
Clauss Orthodontics works closely with every patient from day one of treatment, all the way to the final stretch before an appliance is finally discontinued. We’re here to make sure every step of your experience is excellent! We’ll see you soon in Watertown or Middlebury.