When braces are placed on your teeth and during the subsequent several hours after they are placed, you should have no braces pain. Usually the next morning, but sometimes that initial night, your teeth will be a little sore. This is normal, but should not last forever! The pain is much like a bruise: When you have a bruise on your arm, it never really hurts unless you touch it. Pain with braces is much the same. As you chew food, it’s like touching that bruise and some pain will be present. Most people, while reading a book or watching TV have their teeth apart. Because of this, the pain is not present constantly.
The types of braces the patients get at Fry Orthodontics, are quite a bit different than the traditional braces that many parents remember. Many remember that twisting and “tightening” of the wires that many hated. The newest high-tech braces are much easer on patients and do not need the twisting and tightening!
The other newest technology that is reducing pain with braces is Invisalign. With Invisalign there are much fewer complaints of pain. Come in and see the latest in braces technology to eliminate braces pain and also if Invisalign is right for you. Check out our many Kansas City locations.
Patients with some discomfort can also take over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol or Advil) and eat softer foods until the discomfort subsides. If your cheeks and/or lips are irritated, use wax to cover the braces until the tissue toughens up a little and becomes less tender. In a pinch, you can also chew a little sugarless gum until it becomes soft, then place it over the braces as you would the wax. -Luann