Braces are designed to fix misalignments, correct overbites, and straighten teeth. When you first have braces fitted it can be painful because your body isn't used to the intrusion of metal in your mouth. Because the teeth need to be forced into position, there is a lot of pressure on the gums and jaw.
The pain from braces shouldn't last more than a few days. Luckily, there are many ways to alleviate the pain from braces, which include everything from ice packs and pain meds to peppermint tea and orthodontic wax.
Braces use pressure to realign and shift your teeth into place. The metal brackets and wires in your mouth add bulk to your oral cavity, which can cause discomfort. The pain usually subsides when your body has adjusted to having a foreign object. When your braces are first fitted, you might experience painful gums and cuts on your cheeks from the metal brackets. Every few weeks when your braces are adjusted, you may feel that slight dull ache and pressure again.
Braces are fixed to your teeth with dental adhesive. An arch wire runs through the brackets on the teeth, putting pressure on them. When small elastic bands are fitted to the brackets, it increases the pressure, causing further discomfort. Elastics help to further align your teeth and fix your bite during the first stage of braces. The pain is usually short-lived, and not every brace-wearing person has to have elastics.
When you first have braces fixed, your mouth needs time to adjust to them. The body isn't used to all the metal and wires, so you will probably feel mild pain for the first week. The pain will subside, but with each adjustment session at your orthodontist, the discomfort will return. Because your mouth is used to braces, the pain after an appointment typically lasts for up to 4 days.
There are many pain relief options to ease the ache that comes with each orthodontic adjustment. These 9 tips can help soothe your mouth.
A cold compress is good for localized pain. An ice pack will provide immediate relief to any swelling and numb the area. Cold items constrict blood vessels, slowing down the blood flow.
Cold food and drinks will aid the healing process by providing temporary pain relief. Cold foods like yogurt and ice cream can really help with alleviating symptoms and reducing swelling. The constriction of blood flow from cold items can soothe your painful gums.
Add a teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water and gargle for a minimum of 30 seconds. The gentle abrasion from the salt in the water will lift any stuck food particles. Salt may also aid the healing process and acts as a natural disinfectant.
Speak to your orthodontist about an anesthetic gel that will numb the painful area. There are a variety of oral gels that can help to desensitize teeth and gums.
OTC pain medicines can help relieve discomfort. Your orthodontist can also prescribe a strong painkiller if necessary. Try not to take painkillers for more than a few days and let your orthodontist know if the pain is severe.
Apply a heat pad or warm cloth to the painful areas in your mouth. Heat can be beneficial — especially if the ice packs aren't providing any relief or you're sensitive to the cold.
Don't put your jaw and mouth under any extra strain for the first few days after your braces have been adjusted. Try to avoid hard-to-chew food items and stick to eating softer foods.
Orthodontic wax relieves the chafing and poking from your metal brackets and wire. This tends to happen when your wires are changed and the settings are adjusted. The wax is for rubbing on the metal to prevent hurting the inside of your cheeks and lips.
If your gums aren't too painful, give yourself a gum massage. Rub them gently or use something cold to massage them. The cold will add extra numbness to the area.
Peppermint has restorative properties, and the warm tea bags can have a soothing effect if used on the site of pain. Food-grade peppermint oil can also be applied to your gums, but it may be helpful to dilute it in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil to ensure it's not too strong.
If you are experiencing severe pain, our offices accept walk-in emergencies. Find a location near you.
It's common for the bottom row to hurt more. The tongue moves and pushes the bottom row of teeth while talking, adding more pressure.
On the second day, your teeth start adjusting and moving. Day 2 is hard because your teeth have recovered from the initial shock of having something new fitted.
The first 4 days after your wires have been adjusted will be the worst stage. The teeth have to get used to added pressure, and for some people, the pain can last a week. When you first get braces fitted, the pain may last longer as your mouth adjusts.
Orthodontists say that clear aligner braces hurt the least because you remove them while eating. You also won't experience the chafing and sores from metal braces.
A few clinical trials have reported that chewing gum can help increase blood flow to the area surrounding the teeth, causing pain to subside.
Even though braces can be uncomfortable at times, they're necessary to straighten teeth and correct misalignments and overbites.
Maybe you've been told your child needs braces and you're wondering how long the treatment will last. You might have little or no experience with braces treatments or maybe you've been here before but everybody you've known who had braces had them on for a different length of time. Braces can be a complex orthodontic treatment, with plenty of personal variables and treatment options so there's no fixed amount of time they take to get the job done. For a better understanding of how long dental braces last, here are some of the most important variables.
Braces go on and come off as part of a multi-stage orthodontic treatment process. An orthodontist has to evaluate a new patient's tooth alignment and decide how best to treat orthodontic problems, after which a treatment plan can be implemented.
How long it takes for braces to work depends on several things, which your dentist can talk over with you during the initial consultations. As a rule, the more correction needed, the longer the treatment takes. Kids usually see faster results than older people. In fact, the younger a child is at the time braces treatment starts, the less time it generally takes, with adult teeth taking the longest to adjust.
The type of dental braces you go for also affects how long the treatment is likely to take. While there's a variety of products on the market, your choices can be grouped into three main categories.
Metal braces: Traditional braces are made of metal, and they use small brackets attached to the teeth, connected with wires or rubber bands to gently apply tension and pull the teeth back into alignment. Some people complete their metal braces treatment in less than 1 year but you may have to wear them for up to 3 years.
Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional metal braces. The difference is that they match your teeth's natural color, so they're less obvious. It takes between 12 and 36 months to complete the braces treatment.
Clear braces: Clear braces, which are sometimes offered under the brand name Invisalign treatment, are the least conspicuous type of braces. These are clear acrylic braces that have been molded just for your teeth and they're switched out periodically as the teeth move. They're removable so you can take them out to eat or for special occasions. You should still wear them about 22 hours a day. Orthodontics involving clear aligners usually last around 12-18 months.
Braces go on in stages and getting braces fitted usually takes a few office visits. Getting braces can be broken down into four stages.
Pre-braces consultations: Getting braces starts with a diagnosis and initial consultation with your orthodontist. In a series of office visits, you'll get dental X-rays and pictures taken of your teeth to get an idea of your overall dental health, any orthodontic issues you may have, and whether there's an issue with jaw alignment or other mouth structures. A treatment plan is then developed and laid out for you at another pre-braces visit.
Initial treatment: Getting braces may start with various other orthodontic treatments that get your teeth ready for braces treatment. If you have tooth decay, you may have some filling work done. Kids sometimes need spacers to prep their misaligned teeth. Measures might also be taken to address teeth grinding or you might get a root canal out of the way before the braces are installed.
Active treatment: After your braces get installed, you'll need regular adjustments to keep things moving along. If you opt for clear aligners, you'll get a new set every week or two. Standard metal braces can be gradually retensioned using elastics or wire adjustments.
Post-braces: After the treatments are done and you have straight teeth, the brackets can come off and you move into the post-treatment period, which may last for weeks to years. This is usually relatively simple and involves minor orthodontics, like retainers or other orthodontic appliances, that can be taken out as needed.
While every patient is unique, there are some basic factors that can help predict the course and length of treatment.
People get braces for a range of issues, from fairly minor matters to very severe orthodontic problems. The more severe the issue is before you get new braces, the more time you should expect the treatment to last.
Jaw misalignment is one of the more common complications that can extend your treatment time. Overbite is a condition in which the top teeth extend past the lower teeth, while underbite is the opposite condition. If you have a pronounced overbite or underbite, you may have to wear your braces longer than if your upper and lower teeth were aligned more closely.
Another common complication for wearing braces is the spacing between your teeth. If your teeth are closer together than they should be, the crowding can cause a host of dental problems, including advanced tooth decay. Overspacing between the teeth may require longer treatments to pull them back together.
How well you follow your treatment plan also affects your treatment time. Your orthodontist can give you a detailed rundown on how to manage your braces but there's not much you need to do beyond normal oral hygiene. In general, you can get your treatment done in the shortest time if you:
As a rule, the younger a patient is, the less time they need to wear braces. Because their jaws are still growing and teeth are on the move, kids may get their teeth straight with just 6-12 months of treatment. Adult teeth generally take longer — up to 3 years. Teenagers are an in-between case, with most braces treatments taking 1-2 years.
People need braces for all sorts of reasons and the time it takes to complete the treatments depends on several factors. You may have to wear your orthodontic appliances for 6-36 months, depending on what issues you're correcting, how old you were when you first started the treatments and how well you comply with the orthodontist's advice. Of these factors, the one you have the most control over is how well you follow your treatment instructions, from brushing twice a day to eating the right foods.
Set up a consultation with us today to get started on your journey to beautiful, straight teeth.
Getting braces may cause some discomfort, especially early on, but it shouldn't be painful. Braces gradually tug your teeth into better alignment so a low level of tension is always present, which some people experience as discomfort. If your braces are bothering you, talk to your orthodontist about making an adjustment for better results.
For the most part, you can eat with braces just like you did before you got them installed. An exception to this is for sticky or exceptionally hard foods. Very sticky foods (and chewing gum) can get stuck to your braces and hard foods might damage the brackets.
Braces care is fairly routine stuff. Brush twice a day, floss under the braces the way your orthodontist shows you, and keep your rubber bands in place for as long as the orthodontist tells you to.
Teeth are some of the most essential parts of your body. They help you get the nutrients you need to lead a healthy life and are also crucial for self-expression. Having misaligned teeth can make it difficult to talk, smile, or laugh with confidence, which is why many adults get braces. Braces can solve various dental issues, enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. But if you've heard about braces pain from other people, you might hesitate to get this type of dental treatment.
Our team at Risas Dental has helped dozens of patients through their braces journey. Follow along as we discuss braces pain and give you a few tips for managing it as you navigate your way to a brighter, healthier smile.
Braces are a treatment method used to correct dental problems such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, spaced teeth, open bites, overbites, and underbites. Braces apply steady pressure on your mouth's soft tissue, slowly changing the position of your teeth and jaws.
When your mouth is overcrowded, your jaw size may be too small to fit all your teeth. Braces will slowly try to push teeth that sit outside or inside the jaw into the proper position on your gums. The soft tissue in your mouth has to expand and create more space for the teeth to sit during this process.
Since braces literally change your mouth's structure, you should expect some pain during the journey. Some pain can also be triggered by the type of foods you eat, especially when the braces are new.
However, any ache and pain you feel when wearing braces should be bearable and easy to manage by taking over-the-counter painkillers and resting. Most people can tolerate the pain that comes with braces, which is why even little kids can wear them. Severe pain should be addressed by your doctor.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who handle the process of installing braces. The process isn't painful and orthodontists don't administer anesthesia during installation. Before installation, they'll clean your teeth and mouth to remove plaque and food remains.
The orthodontist will apply glue on each tooth, spreading it on the surface before attaching small brackets. Then, they'll secure a wire to the brackets, tightening it to produce the desired tension to the teeth.
The tension from the brackets may make your mouth sore a few hours after the braces are in place. Your orthodontist may recommend taking a painkiller and resting to relieve the pain and give your mouth time to adjust.
The pressure from the wires on your braces and bands can cause small cuts inside your mouth. Some people also experience headaches and toothaches the week after their first braces installation. These symptoms should reduce over time and eventually disappear.
Modifying your diet to include braces-friendly soft foods and drinks is important to minimize tooth pain when eating after installation.
Cleaning your teeth properly will help you maintain good oral hygiene. Dedicate time twice a day to brush around each brace. Floss using threaders and use interdental brushes to remove food particles from the small space between the braces and your teeth.
Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging your teeth and mouth.
Braces can use interarch rubber bands to hold the wires in the ideal position for their teeth and jaws. Your orthodontist will guide you on how to wear the rubber bands based on how your bite needs to be corrected. In many cases, you must hook the rubber band to the brackets on your upper canines and then loop it around the brackets on your lower back teeth.
The other type of band used on braces is called ligatures. Ligatures wrap around the bracket on each tooth. Only an orthodontist can install and remove ligatures during your appointment.
You may feel discomfort or pain a few days after installing your first elastic bands because your teeth have started moving to the correct position. As with braces, the discomfort from rubber bands doesn't last forever and reduces as your teeth settle into new positions.
You'll need to visit the orthodontist once every few weeks for braces adjustment or re-tightening. Braces lose their grip when your teeth shift into a more aligned position. Getting braces tightened ensures your braces always apply the right amount of pressure to all your teeth.
During the realignment appointment, your orthodontist will remove the elastic bands or ligatures holding the alignment wire. After examining tooth movement, the orthodontist will tighten or renew the wire to account for the changes. The orthodontist might put springs and new ligatures or rubber bands around the braces.
Adjusting or tightening braces wires can be painful, especially a few days after the appointment. However, you should always go to the dentist whenever your wires start to feel loose since this will prevent you from wearing braces for longer than necessary.
There are many ways to relieve braces pain and discomfort at home so you can continue your daily activities after your appointment. These methods include:
Using orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax is a substance designed to create a barrier between the wires on your braces and the soft tissue in your mouth. By coating your braces with wax, you reduce the impact of their hard corners and sharp ends. Roll and apply the wax your orthodontist prescribes on clean teeth, replacing it at least twice daily to prevent mouth infections.
Rinsing with salty water. Salty water is an affordable pain relief method for braces pain. Fill a glass with warm water, then stir in a teaspoon of regular salt until it dissolves completely. Swish it over all the sore points in your mouth before spitting it out.
Taking painkillers. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen can help you manage braces discomfort. Consult your orthodontist before taking new medications for pain. They may recommend using a painkiller during braces installation and adjustment to minimize discomfort.
Eating the right foods. Change your diet after getting braces to minimize chewing and keep your braces clean. You'll feel a lot better if you don't have to remove pieces of food from between aching teeth every time you eat.
Resting. Minimize physical exertion after your braces appointment to give your body time to adjust. You can place an ice pack on your face while lying down to watch a movie or sleep to alleviate braces pain.
Incorporating these foods into your diet will keep you nourished throughout your braces journey:
Cold foods. These foods can reduce gum and mouth inflammation from braces discomfort or soreness. Sugar-free drinks and ice cream can be helpful too.
Soft foods. Give your teeth a break by avoiding crunchy foods such as carrots, celery and apples immediately after your dentist appointments. Mashed potatoes, rice, soups, smoothies and juices are delicious and nutritious food options for people with braces.
Non-sticky foods. Maintaining oral hygiene with braces will be more challenging if you eat food that easily gets trapped in your teeth. Avoid chewing gum, candy, pasta dishes and chewy meats when you have braces.
It's normal to feel discomfort after getting braces, but you should contact your orthodontist if you experience severe pain that doesn't improve after taking painkillers. You should also seek medical attention for mouth sores and wounds that don't heal after an expected timeframe. We recommend contacting your orthodontist if the wires on your braces loosen or break to avoid causing further damage to your teeth and mouth.
At Risas Dental, our experienced orthodontists will guide you through your braces journey, ensuring you end up with a smile that'll brighten every room you enter. Book an appointment at any of our offices to start your journey to a brighter smile today!
Taking care of your oral health is important but have you ever thought about how your oral care routine affects the environment? The waste it produces adds to the trash in the landfills. Some products are also full of chemicals that aren't great for the earth. Plus, caring for your teeth can take lots of water. These eco dental care tips will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while watching out for Mother Nature.
Eco dental care starts with the dental product choices you make. Buying eco-friendly products can help with waste reduction.
A traditional plastic toothbrush goes into the trash when you're done. It might be out of sight, out of mind for you, but that plastic sticks around long after you're gone. Plastic never fully decomposes. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, which can affect the environment.
You can choose alternatives that are better for the environment. A bamboo toothbrush is an easy option. Bamboo is compostable, so you can toss the old handles in your compost bin or a municipal composting bin. It's also biodegradable if you toss it in the trash. Recycled plastic toothbrushes are also better for eco dental care.
Additionally, many electric toothbrushes have reusable handles. You simply swap out the heads, which have less plastic than a traditional toothbrush. You can also find bamboo electric toothbrushes for even more eco-friendly oral health care.
Your toothpaste tubes generate lots of plastic waste. Dry toothpaste options such as zero-waste toothpaste tablets and powders often come in cardboard packaging or containers made of recyclable materials like glass and metal. Many toothpaste products also contain microplastics as an abrasive ingredient. Using dry options eliminates these microplastics, which can end up in the water supply when you rinse your mouth. You can also look for natural toothpaste options that contain fewer ingredients.
Mouthwash can also cause environmental issues. Some of the chemicals can be hard on the environment, and plastic bottles create more waste. Look for a mouthwash with limited ingredients or a natural, alcohol-free mouthwash. You can also get mouthwash tablets or mouthwash products that come in refillable containers to reduce waste.
Dental floss is another source of plastic waste in your oral care routine. Instead of using traditional floss, consider using a water flosser, which uses pressurized water to clean your teeth. You can also find eco-friendly floss options made from things like silk coated in natural beeswax or plant-based wax. Reusable dental floss picks can also help reduce your waste.
The way you brush your teeth can affect how eco-friendly your process is. Make these changes to create an eco dental care process.
You might not think you're using much water while you're brushing but it adds up quickly if you leave the tap running. By shutting off the faucet while you brush, you could conserve about 8 gallons of water each day if you brush twice daily. If you leave the water running, collect it for other purposes such as watering plants. You can also collect extra water if you let the faucet run until it reaches the ideal temperature to reduce water waste.
Using a cup when you rinse the toothpaste can save water over using your hand to scoop water from the faucet. You capture all the water and can use it more efficiently. If you don't drink all the water, you can use it for other purposes. You can also skip the rinse after brushing your teeth. Simply spit out the excess toothpaste.
While electric toothbrushes reduce your plastic waste, they also increase your energy use. Using a manual toothbrush helps you conserve energy. If you choose an electric toothbrush, consider using one with a solar-powered charger. Turning off electronic oral care gadgets when they're not in use can also help. Don't leave your charger plugged in and running all the time if your toothbrush is fully charged.
Here are some additional eco-friendly oral care tips to consider.
When choosing oral care products, look for local and sustainable brands. Supporting local businesses keeps money in your community and reduces transportation emissions. Sustainable oral care companies do their part to protect the environment and make it easier for you to support environmental efforts.
Making oral care products at home can also protect the environment. Many DIY toothpaste and mouthwash recipes use everyday products that are safe for the environment. You can use glass containers you already have for your DIY products, or you can reuse oral care containers from products you bought at the store.
Eco-friendly oral care exposes you to fewer chemicals and protects the environment. The decisions you make affect the earth, often far beyond your own community. Try eco-friendly oral care products and practices to feel better and keep your mouth healthy.
Book an appointment today to supplement your oral care routines.
Some eco dental care products might cost a little more. For instance, natural toothpaste products can be more expensive than cheap toothpaste. However, many of the products are very affordable.
You can still practice effective oral hygiene with eco-friendly products. Follow recommended practices like brushing twice a day and flossing to keep your teeth healthy and avoid gum disease. Routine exams from a dental professional also help.
Eco-friendly oral care products are available at most stores. Look in the oral care section for natural options. Your dentist can also recommend products.
Your adorable furry friend brings lots of laughs and joy to your family but they also add extra responsibility. Pet owners are usually familiar with their regular vet visit schedule. However, pet dental care might not be as familiar to fur parents but it is just as important. Just like you need routine dental care, your pets also need help with their oral health. You can support healthy teeth for your pet at home and with a professional dental checkup and cleaning. Find out more about oral hygiene for your pets.
As frustrating as it is to find your pup chewing on your favorite heels, those teeth are important to their health. Pet dental care is just as important as their overall health.
Your pet needs strong, healthy teeth for eating. Healthy teeth also keep your pet feeling good and living a pain-free life. It's not always easy to tell when your pet is in pain so you might not notice if they're having oral health issues. By practicing good pet dental care, you can avoid any issues and treat things that come up quickly. Keeping up on oral health keeps your pet feeling good and acting normal.
If you ignore your pet's oral health, you could face major problems including tooth decay and dental disease. Your pet might feel pain or need a tooth extraction to remove decaying teeth. These issues can make it more difficult for your pet to eat and chew on their favorite toys. But it isn't just your pet's teeth and gums that could be affected by poor oral health. Some dental problems can affect other parts of their body including the heart and liver. This can happen when bacteria from oral health issues enter your pet's bloodstream and reach other organs, potentially causing serious health issues.
Skipping regular dental care can also be costly for you. Dental health problems could result in expensive treatments to help fix the issue and relieve your pet's pain. Emergency care for a dental problem is often more expensive than scheduled vet care so you could end up paying a lot more than you would for preventative dental health care.
Following regular pet dental care routines can help your pet have healthy teeth.
Brushing your pet's teeth is one of the best ways to keep them clean and avoid issues. Regular tooth brushing helps remove plaque before it can harden into tartar and cause oral health problems. You can use human toothbrushes for larger dogs but you might need to use a baby toothbrush for smaller dogs. When you're training or rewarding your pet, use dental treats, which help deal with bad breath and remove plaque from teeth.
Diet can also play a role in your pet's dental health. Crunchy food is typically better for oral hygiene. Wet or canned food can cause more plaque buildup on your pet's teeth.
Toys and chewing objects can also affect the health of your pet's teeth. Some items such as antlers and bones can be too hard and increase the risk of a broken tooth. Even the classic tennis ball can damage the enamel of your dog's teeth. Hard rubber toys designed for dogs are easier on their teeth. If you're unsure about what type of chew toys to offer your dog, check with your vet for recommendations.
Your pet also needs a professional touch to dental care. No matter how much oral care you do at home, your pet will still likely have some plaque buildup on their teeth. Your vet should look at your pet's teeth during the annual checkup to look for any oral health problems.
If your pet has a large plaque or tartar buildup, your vet might recommend a dental cleaning that happens under general anesthesia. The frequency of these cleanings can vary depending on your pet's situation. Your vet might recommend them yearly or your pet might only need cleanings every 2 or 3 years or more. Professional dental care including dental cleanings and dental surgery should be handled by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary dentist.
Your pet is less likely to get a cavity than you are but furry family members can still have oral health issues including periodontal disease. This happens when tartar develops on the teeth. When this happens below the gumline, it can lead to infections and damage to the jawbone. Other potential dental problems include broken teeth, infections, cysts, tumors, and misalignment of the teeth.
Your pet can show several signs of oral health issues. Many of those symptoms are physical things you can see in your pet's mouth. Some symptoms include:
Other symptoms of pet dental problems are behavioral. Your pet might become irritable or act differently in other ways. When they're eating, they might chew differently or have difficulty eating. They might avoid eating completely if their oral health issues cause them pain.
Taking care of your dog's teeth regularly can help prevent dental problems such as gum disease or tooth discoloration. Home cleaning methods can reduce plaque buildup and tartar, which can prevent decay and periodontal disease. Regular dental cleaning and exams from a vet can also protect your pet's tooth health. The vet can spot early warning signs of a dental issue when it's more treatable with a simple dental procedure such as tooth extractions or deep cleanings.
Pet dental care is an important part of pet ownership. Regular pet teeth brushing can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy. Home care and regular dental exam appointments can help prevent bad breath and dental health conditions that can affect your pet's quality of life. Get into a regular pet dental care routine to keep your furry friend's teeth healthy and strong.
We wish we could see your furry friends but you’ll need to schedule your pet's oral care with a vet. We would love to serve you and the rest of your family with your dental care needs though. Book an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, or Nevada.
Aim to brush your pet's teeth 2 to 3 times per week. You might need to work up to regular tooth brushing if your pet resists. If your pet enjoys having their teeth brushed, you can do it more often.
You should never use human toothpaste for your pets. They might contain toxic ingredients such as xylitol or ingredients that upset their stomach. Look for pet toothpaste, which is free of potentially dangerous ingredients.
Buying pet toothpaste that's flavored like meat can make pet teeth brushing more appealing. Your pet might need several practice sessions to cooperate with oral care. With more attempts, your dog might be more willing to cooperate. Dog tooth wipes and dental chew toys can support pet dental care for uncooperative pets. Check with your vet for tips that might work with your pet. Prescription dog food that helps reduce dental disease is available and could be an option for an uncooperative pup.
In addition to regular professional pet teeth cleaning appointments, you should schedule a veterinary dentistry appointment if your pet shows symptoms of oral health conditions. You might need emergency care if your pet has a tooth injury or severe infection.
