Treatment FAQ

treatment for braces what is it like

by Mrs. Esta Goldner DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fast relief from your braces pain can come from oral anaesthetics like Orajel or Anbesol. These can be applied directly to the affected areas and help to temporarily numb and relieve pain, whether on your lips, gums or cheeks. Ibuprofen can be taken after getting braces on 5. Over-the-counter painkillers

Full Answer

Why braces are bad for You?

 · Traditional metal braces are the most effective and affordable orthodontic treatment option. They fix overcrowding, align the teeth, and reposition the jaw. An orthodontist easily moves the teeth in small increments during routine check-ups. For children and teens, traditional braces are the most popular option.

What are conditions to braces treat?

 · When you first get your braces on and after appointments where your braces get adjusted, your mouth will be sore for a few days. During that time, the following may help: 6 Eat soft food, like mashed potatoes, soups, and yogurt. Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers if needed. Use dental wax over areas that cause mouth sores. 7

What is the best pain relief for braces?

 · Over time, metal braces guide your teeth into proper position, but they need to be readjusted by your orthodontist periodically. Invisalign works differently. You wear a series of clear acrylic aligners. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, and the next aligner picks up where the last one left off in regard to realigning teeth.

What is the fastest braces treatment?

At first, it's best to only eat soft foods like pudding, applesauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, etc. You can take over-the-counter pain medications if needed. However, if your child experiences high levels of discomfort and the pain won't subside even after taking OTC pain medication, then you will want to consult with your orthodontist.

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What does it feel like to get braces put on?

There will be some discomfort. The first several days of wearing braces will be the most uncomfortable for wearing adult braces or youth braces. Your teeth will feel achy as the alignment process begins and you may feel steady pressure from the wires, but that's also the exciting part!

How painful is getting braces on?

The honest answer is that braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to the teeth, so there is no reason to be anxious about the placement appointment. There will be mild soreness or discomfort after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the newly placed brackets, which may last for a few days to a week.

Is the treatment of braces painful?

Mild pain or discomfort is a normal side effect of wearing braces. But you should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. The discomfort typically disappears within four days, and braces pain rarely lasts longer than a week.

How painful are braces on the first day?

You should feel little to no pain when your braces are initially placed onto your teeth. However, after the first few hours, you may experience some discomfort. You will have to get used to wearing braces and learn how to chew with them.

What are the disadvantages of braces?

Complications With BracesTooth decay or gum disease. ... Allergic reactions. ... Soft tissue injuries and canker sores. ... Root Resorption. ... Decalcification and Cavities. ... Ankylosis. ... Relapse. ... They're still worth it!

What to expect when you first get braces?

During your first week with braces, you may experience some irritation on the inside of your lips and cheeks. Your mouth will toughen up and after a while, your brackets and wires won't bother you anymore. During the acclimation period, you can relieve the irritation with a salt water rinse.

How do you sleep with braces on?

If you sleep on your side or on your stomach—and thereby with your face sideways on your pillow—your braces will rub against your cheek. Sleeping on your back is the better option.

Do they numb you for braces?

There are absolutely no needles involved in the braces or Invisalign procedure. Getting braces on is completely painless. The brackets are bonded to your teeth with special adhesive, then I thread the archwire through them and they're secured in place with colored ties. That's it.

How long do your teeth hurt after getting braces tightened?

Four Tips To Reduce Discomfort. Slight discomfort from sore gums and teeth are common for three days to five days after tightening braces for kids or adults. But there are several ways to ease these pains and continue focusing on the long-term goal of a beautiful, healthy smile!

Can you kiss with braces?

Wait until you feel comfortable with your braces before trying for anything adventurous, like a kiss. We recommend waiting at least two weeks before attempting any kissing. When you do kiss, take it slow. Being gentle is important, both for the safety of your braces and your partner.

Can I eat pizza with braces?

You can still eat pizza when you have braces, but it all comes down to the type of pizza. The best way to go is soft-crust pizza. Tougher crusts or thin crusts can damage your braces and get stuck between the wires, brackets and your teeth. Another thing to think about is the toppings.

Can I have chips with braces?

Can I eat chips with braces? Yes, you just need to select the right ones. Pringles, “baked” chips and Cheeto Puffs/Fries are great braces options for chips. Just try to remember to eat ONE CHIP AT A TIME, so that you don't accidentally break a bracket.

Fast facts

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What are braces?

Braces are devices that straighten or move teeth in order to improve their bite and appearance as well as your overall dental health. The most common type is traditional metal braces connected by archwire, but other versions, including lingual braces and most recently clear dental aligners, are becoming more popular.

What are the pros and cons of braces?

Braces can be an ordeal. The “hardware” and appliances that often have to be worn can create friction that causes minor irritation or injuries, and the pressure that’s put on teeth to move them can be painful, especially during the first night after they’re adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help.

How much do braces cost?

Headgear, retainers, plus other appliances may be an additional cost. You may be charged a monthly fee, or you’ll get a quote for the entire treatment.

What are the risks of braces?

Generally, braces are very safe to wear. While they’re on, taking the time to thoroughly floss and clean your teeth can help you to avoid plaque buildup and calcification around the brackets, tooth decay, and gum disease. Many people with braces rely on a Waterpik to clean the tiny spaces between teeth.

How do braces work to straighten teeth?

Traditional braces put continual pressure on your teeth, to slowly shift them into a straighter position. This is done by attaching metal brackets to the teeth in order to hold adjustment wires in place.

How will you look in braces?

Braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than ever before; they’re smaller and have fewer brackets, and the wires are much less visible (while being more effective). You can choose between silver, gold, ceramic, or clear plastic brackets (the price varies). “If your braces are tooth - colored, they will be nearly invisible,” says Dr.

How to take care of braces?

Remember to schedule regular checkups so you can keep track of your progress. You also need to make sure you're brushing and flossing regularly and even using an oral irrigator to get rid of any food particles that get caught in your braces. It's also probably best to avoid sticky foods.

How long does it take to get a retractor in your mouth?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the actual procedure should take about 90-120 minutes. A retractor will be placed in your mouth to keep it as dry as possible. A special adhesive will be placed on each tooth so that the brackets can attach to your teeth.

Can braces cause sores in mouth?

After you complete the procedure, you might find that your teeth feel a little sensitive. This is entirely normal. Your new braces may even cause sores in your mouth. At first, it's best to only eat soft foods like pudding, applesauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, etc. You can take over-the-counter pain medications if needed.

What is an impression of teeth?

An impression is essentially a cast of your teeth that helps your orthodontist study the relationship between your teeth and jaw. Another thing to remember to do before the actual day is to visit a dental professional for cleaning. ...

Do you have to clean your teeth before getting braces?

And of course, don't forget to floss and brush before your appointment. If they aren't clean enough, your orthodontist will have to clean your teeth with a polishing paste before affixing the braces.

Do braces have metal bands?

Braces consist of the following parts: Some people may even need to have metal bands encircling their back teeth.

Is it nerve wracking to get braces?

Getting braces is undoubtedly nerve-wracking, but taking the necessary steps to prep for it should help you feel more confident and comfortable during the procedure. Next stop: A perfect smile! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.

How to get rid of braces pain?

This is another effective brace pain remedy and the best thing about it is that you don’t even have to go to a masseuse to get it done! Just use one of your fingers to gently rub around your gums. For better results, stroke the gums with a block of ice before massaging them.

What do people think about braces?

When most people think about having braces, the first thing they imagine is the immense pain associated with it. Some people even think that they will have to use a straw to take their meals every day!

What is the wax used for braces?

Using the Orthodontist Wax. Most orthodontists give their patients a special wax after each adjustment appointment. Wax for braces * provides a kind of barrier between the inside part of the lips and cheeks and the bracket of the braces. This barrier prevents irritating your gums as well.

How to get rid of sores from braces?

Rinsing with Warm Salt Water. The other quick pain remedy is to use rinse with simple warm salt water. Salt has natural curing properties so next time you are going to have your braces adjusted, just gurgle some salt water. Salt water also helps to heal the sores, cuts and ulceration in your inner mouth and gums.

How to stop jaw pain from braces?

1. Taking Pain Relief Medication. This is the most obvious solution. Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to relieve pain in the jaws and gums. This deep pain is normally brought about by the gradual shifting of one’s teeth as they get used to the new braces. Pain relievers are not the best solution however as they can be ...

Why do braces hurt?

People having braces do sometimes have pain or discomfort in their mouths but this is mainly due to the sores and discomfort caused by the braces rubbing against the cheeks, teeth and lips. When this happens, there are various quick ways to make sure the discomfort goes away: 1. Taking Pain Relief Medication.

How long does it take for braces to hurt?

Once braces are fitted, people usually experience discomfort for the first few days because the teeth and mouth have not gotten used to having them. The discomfort usually goes away after a few days or at most one week. People having braces do sometimes have pain or discomfort in their mouths but this is mainly due to the sores ...

How long do you have to wear braces?

When most patients, especially young patients, hear that they are going to have to wear their braces for two and a half years, that sounds like a really, really long time. When you get your braces off, however, all that time and the discomfort really is worth it, to have a straight, beautiful, more functional smile.

What to tell your friends about braces?

Here are ten thing that your friends and family won’t tell you about your braces. 1. They aren’t supposed to hurt. If you’re experiencing pain, especially a sharp, stabbing pain from a wire, this is an indication that something is wrong and that you need to call Dr. Gemmi and Dr. Middleberg to make an appointment to have your wire slid back ...

Is Invisalign good for everyone?

Invisalign is a good option, but it isn’t right for everyone. Invisalign seems like a great solution to the “metal mouth” problem of braces. Without wires or brackets, it seems like the aligners would be less painful, and because you can remove them, both the appliance and the teeth are much easier to clean.

Is Invisalign good for you?

Even patients who have to wear theirs for three and a half year are glad they did. 8. Invisalign is a good option, but it isn’t right for everyone.

Can braces hide food?

They can hide food and hold on to it for days, if you aren’t brushing properly. That gives food and the sugar and acid in it many more opportunities to break down your enamel and form the beginnings of cavities. The last thing you want to come out of braces with is straight teeth, but lots of cavities. 6.

Why do my teeth feel like they are out of place?

It will be especially noticeable when you bite down on something or when you chew. Your teeth with feel like they’re out of place—and that’s because they are. Your braces are moving them out of the positions you’re accustomed to.

Do braces collect food?

Don’t believe the hype. 2. Your braces will collect food. This is something that braces veterans forget. No matter what you eat and how careful you are, food is going to get stuck in your braces. There are plenty of ways to get it out, and you’ll develop your own system the longer you wear your braces.

What tools do you need to floss your teeth?

Helpful tools include interdental brushes, floss threaders, water flossers, and orthodontic electric brushheads.

Can you get metal braces?

The number one concern our adult patients have about getting braces is how they will look with them. Although we offer traditional metal braces, there are many other options to choose from that have a less visible appearance. For example, if you want a discreet look but don’t want the responsibility of removable aligners, you should consider ceramic braces. Instead of metal, the brackets are made out of ceramic and are less noticeable.

Is Invisalign removable?

Many adults choose removable braces like Invisalign ®. These clear aligners are virtually unnoticeable and are made from comfortable, smooth plastic. Invisalign is an excellent option for a responsible adult that will wear them for the correct amount of time, keep them clean, and not lose them.

Do you have to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?

Once you finish your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer. You can get a permanent retainer put in behind your teeth, so you don’t have to think twice about it or worry about losing it. If you get a temporary retainer, you’ll need to wear it every night to prevent your teeth from shifting to their original places. If you lose your retainer or stop wearing it, you might have to wear braces again to straighten your teeth.

Why are braces important?

As is common knowledge, teens are very conscious of their external appearance, of which smile is a major determinant.

What is the real deal with a toothbrush?

The real deal comes at night, when you saunter into your bathroom and pick up your super-soft bristled toothbrush to brush those jewels. It begins with a set of motions in which you brush your teeth followed by intense flossing.

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