“Will it hurt?”
That’s one of the most frequently asked questions our orthodontist at Ortho Inc. hears from prospective patients of all ages. And if you, your children or other family members have been postponing the decision to seek orthodontic treatment, here’s why so many people place themselves in our care every year: There’ll be some discomfort, but getting braces placed on your teeth is not painful.
The process of having braces placed takes a bit of time, during which we place rubber bands around your back molars, affix brackets and wires to your teeth, and then use elastic bands to make sure everything stays in place. This is the method by which your braces slowly place pressure on your teeth to straighten and guide them into place.
There will be some tenderness and irritation of the gums and teeth for a few days afterward as you become accustomed to the feeling of this new arrival. You’ll want to stick to soft foods like yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, soup, mac and cheese, etc. The discomfort can be managed with the help of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed.
During follow up visits to the orthodontist, adjustments may be needed to keep our treatment moving in the right direction, and these may result in some sensitivity. But that will disappear rather quickly. On the long-awaited day when we remove your braces, there may be little more than the discomfort that’s expected in any dental procedure.
Keep in mind that this temporary discomfort is far outweighed by the long-term benefits you’ll experience: a radiant smile; a bite that feels great when you eat and speak; and teeth that wear evenly and are much easier to keep clean and strong.
If you’ve been putting off achieving the smile you’ve always wanted because of outdated notions, our orthodontist at Ortho Inc. can deliver life-changing results, often more comfortably and in less time than ever. Please contact us today for an appointment!
