Do Clear Braces Hurt?
Orthodontic treatments like braces, clear braces, and clear dental aligning trays work by applying pressure on the teeth, gradually urging them into position and alignment. By their nature, these treatments can cause some level of discomfort, though most patients report that this discomfort is minimal and can be easily managed. The source of pain may be internal, in the teeth and jaw, or external, in the soft oral tissues; regardless of its source, it’s normal and manageable. Understanding the ins and outs of how or why your braces might hurt can better help you mitigate discomfort and ensure effective treatment.
Managing Internal and External Causes of Discomfort
The force placed on the teeth by braces or aligners can bring tenderness to the nerves, especially at the beginning of treatment or shortly after an adjustment. This pressure lessens, and internal pain diminishes, as treatment progresses. Internal pain may also arise as the dental alignment changes, introducing bite force and pressure to new areas of the mouth and exercising new muscles in the jaw. As these tissues adjust, this pain goes away. External discomfort can arise when the soft tissues in the mouth rub against the orthodontic appliance components, irritating the tissues. These soft tissues grow more resilient over time and discomfort abates. Patients can also use orthodontic wax to cushion against poking wires or other sharp components, and orthodontists can adjust areas that are leading to irritation. When the soft tissues do become irritated or injured, mouth sores can be soothed with a peroxide dental rinse, and any areas of pain or irritation can also be relieved with cold compresses. Cold compresses can soothe jaw pain, tooth pain, and gum pain, and should be applied to the outside of the face in manageable increments to avoid irritating the skin while soothing the oral cavity. Additionally, many patients prefer to adhere to a soft, easy-to-chew diet at the beginning of treatment as the tissues adjust, and after adjustments.
Preventing Oral Pain During Treatment with Braces
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of painful inflammation in the oral tissues, and it’s imperative to keep gum disease at bay during orthodontic treatment. Clear aligning trays are particularly convenient in this regard, as they’re removed for eating and cleaning, which means the teeth can be cleaned as usual. Keeping the teeth and the oral tissues clean with braces can be more challenging, as there are more nooks and crannies where food debris and bacteria could be trapped. Dentists recommend cleaning the teeth after every meal, making sure to dislodge and rinse away any food debris that may remain in the mouth, and patients may choose to use specialized cleaning and flossing tools to facilitate cleaning in harder-to-reach areas. Additionally, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are even more important during orthodontic treatment, as irritated tissues are more prone to infection and disease. Preventing gum disease during treatment with braces is an important factor in the overall success of the treatment, helping to keep the entire process comfortable and to ensure lasting, sturdy results. Especially in light of the financial and time investment required for orthodontic treatment, wouldn’t you want to do your part to make your results as perfect as possible?