It’s not as bad as you think. Each person has a different pain limit. One may feel severe pain, the other may not feel anything. Yes, braces can bring some discomfort. But what else would you expect if a foreign object invades the body and establishes new rules of the game for your old crooked teeth?

Installation process – does it hurt to put braces?

• The patient sits down in a chair, and then the matter is in the hands of the orthodontist.
• The doctor prepares the teeth for the installation of bracket design. The doctor treats with a cleanser, rinses and dries the enamel.
• The orthodontist puts on “locks” on the outer teeth, which will fix the arc.
• A bracket is attached to each dental unit with an adhesive substance.
• The arc is installed in the “locks” and is threaded into each groove (recess in braces).

During installation, the patient sits with his mouth wide open. After a while, a person may become uncomfortable in this position, because the muscles of the mouth flex. The installation time of the bracket system is around 1 to 2 hours. Of all these steps, the most stressful for the patient is the stage of fixation of the arc. At this moment, the patient will experience unusual impressions – the arc compresses the teeth. This means that the bracket design has begun to align the bite. Putting braces is not painful. Unpleasant sensations appear after fixation.

How long do teeth hurt after installation?

So, the worst is past – the bracket system is installed. But the patient needs to adapt to change. Braces are “outsiders” for the oral cavity. Teeth need time to come to terms with new “neighbors.” Gradually, teeth and braces get used to each other, a connection appears between them. The lapping period or the adaptation period is from 4 to 15 days. In some patients, it can last longer up to 1 month. During adaptation, a person is faced with a whole bunch of new sensations:

• Pressing and aching pain due to arch pressure on the teeth
• Rubbing the mucous membranes (cheeks, inner side of the lips) with braces
• Problems with chewing food
• Discomfort during hygiene procedures

How to reduce pain?

During the first days you need to adhere to a “soft” diet. It is allowed to use liquid and creamy foods, and finely ground food such as yogurts, fruit and vegetable purees and viscous cereals.

• Use a special wax if the braces elements rub on the mucous membrane.
• When the teeth begin to move, the gums can become inflamed. Rinsing will help relieve pain.
• Do not touch the structure with your tongue, hands, or foreign objects.