Dental braces help improve our physical and emotional health by transforming mouths into healthy and happy smiles! There really is nothing like a perfect smile. A great smile not only gives us self-confidence but also projects that friendly confidence to others. Achieving that happy smile takes some work, and sometimes some misconceptions might needlessly scare people away from braces. The most common question is always, “Do Braces Hurt?”
Dental Braces Misconceptions
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions related to pain & dental braces right away!!! The stories about braces as medieval torture devices or mouths filled with jagged wires and bands belong in the dark ages. Contemporary braces aren’t anything like they used to be 10 or 20 years ago! There have been remarkable technological advancements in orthodontic appliances, making them far less painful than in the past. New and improved flexible wires straighten your teeth with much less discomfort or pain. This doesn’t mean dental braces are completely painless — there will be some temporary discomfort after routine adjustments, but this only lasts a couple of days. The actual physical act of having braces placed on your teeth doesn’t hurt. Any temporary pain you feel after adjustments is natural. It’s just your mouth’s way of getting used to the new way your teeth are being positioned. Your mouth may be tender for a few days, but there are some simple things you can do to help.
So, Do Braces Hurt?
They aren’t completely painless, but they have greatly improved over the past 20 years.
You can take any pain medication that you usually use for aches & pains to help alleviate any discomfort caused by your moving teeth. Eating soft foods such as yogurt, pudding and apple sauce makes it easier on your temporarily tender teeth and gums. In 2-3 days, you’ll be back to your old self, and your dental braces will be hard at work creating your new healthier and happier smile! Contact the friendly staff at Smiles Orthodontics for more information about braces pain misconceptions!