You might wonder if braces or aligners will make your teeth hurt. That’s a normal concern that we understand. After all, you’re looking out for your child’s well-being (or maybe your own), and you don’t want to deal with soreness. Our New England Orthodontic Specialists offices in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, and Lynn hear this question frequently. Dr. Diana and Dr. Neil can help ease your worries.
Common Fears About Orthodontic Care
When you think about orthodontic treatment, your mind may jump to images of metal wires and monthly tightening sessions. You might have heard stories about sharp brackets poking cheeks or weeks of throbbing teeth. These stories spread fast, especially among parents who swap tips in the pickup line at school.
But does everyone feel the same way? No way! Each person responds differently, and orthodontic care has changed a lot over the years. You may recall big, clunky braces from your childhood, but modern braces are slimmer, lighter, and more comfortable than you’d expect.
Key reasons people worry about treatment pain:
- Fear of constant aches
- Concern about wires poking the inside of their mouth
- Anxiety about not knowing how to handle soreness
- Worries about missing school or work because of mouth irritation
In truth, most people manage just fine during orthodontic treatment. Yes, there might be moments of mild soreness. But these moments usually don’t last long, and there are easy ways that our New England Orthodontic Specialists team can show you how to handle them.
What to Expect with Traditional Braces
Braces are made of small brackets that bond to your teeth. Dr. Diana or Dr. Neil will connect them with a wire. Every few weeks, we adjust or change the wire to continue moving your teeth. These changes can lead to some soreness, usually lasting a couple of days.
Common feelings when wearing braces:
- Pressure after adjustments: Right after an adjustment, you may feel extra tightness. It’ll fade in a day or two.
- Mouth irritation: At times, a bracket or wire can rub against the inside of your cheek. Orthodontic wax is an easy fix. Just place a small piece over the irritating spot.
- Tender lips and cheeks: Your mouth needs time to get used to new gear. It’s similar to wearing new shoes. Give it a few days, and you’ll adapt.
Simple tips to ease any soreness:
- Stick to softer foods: Try applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and pasta, especially right after an adjustment. These foods put less pressure on your teeth.
- Use orthodontic wax: Break off a small piece and press it over any sharp edges on your braces.
- Keep up with daily cleaning: A clean mouth often feels better. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss threaders, and mouthwash as instructed.
Most people get used to braces faster than they expect. You may still notice slight pressure when our New England Orthodontic Specialists team adjusts your wire. But for most kids and adults, that pressure is no big deal.
What to Expect with Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, move your teeth by applying a gentle, steady force. You’ll wear each aligner tray for a couple of weeks, then switch out for a new one. You can remove them when you eat and brush your teeth, a major bonus for many families.
Possible soreness with aligners:
- Tenderness when switching trays: You may feel a bit of pressure each time you start a new set. This often fades after a day or two as your teeth adjust.
- Less irritation to cheeks and lips: Unlike braces, clear aligners have smooth edges, rarely irritating soft tissues in your mouth.
- No wires or brackets: That means no poking or scratching. It also means fewer office visits for adjustments.
Easing Mild Mouth Aches
Even though orthodontic care is gentler now than it used to be, it can still come with some discomfort. Think of it like starting a new workout. Your muscles might feel a bit sore, but it’s a sign they’re getting stronger.
Ways to manage mild aches:
- Soft Foods
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- Mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup, and oatmeal are good choices after an adjustment or tray change.
- Avoid very sticky or crunchy foods, as these can add pressure and might damage your braces.
- Cold Compress or Ice Water
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- Sip cold water or apply a cold pack to the outside of your jaw for short intervals.
- Keep a cloth between the cold pack and your skin to prevent skin irritation.
- Saltwater Rinse
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- If your mouth is feeling sore, a simple saltwater rinse can help soothe it.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds.
- Orthodontic Wax
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- If a bracket or wire is rubbing your cheek, place a small piece of wax over the annoying spot.
- Wax is safe to use every day. Just remember to remove it before brushing your teeth so you can clean them properly.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Options
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- Some parents give their children an approved pain reliever before or after an adjustment to help with soreness.
- Always follow the correct dosage based on your child’s age and weight.
When Should You Call Your Orthodontist?
Mild aches and pressure are normal. But when’s the right time to reach out for help? In most cases, a quick call to Dr. Diana or Dr. Neil can clear up concerns or help you decide if an in-office fix is needed.
Reasons to contact our team:
- Prolonged soreness: If the ache lasts more than a few days and doesn’t improve, it’s worth checking in.
- Broken bracket or wire: If a bracket pops off or a wire breaks, call us so we can fix it. Avoid pressing on the loose bracket or trying to bend wires yourself.
- Open sores or cuts in your mouth: A little irritation is normal, but open sores that don’t heal may need attention.
- Severe tooth pain: If you or your child can’t chew comfortably, give us a call.
Our offices in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, and Lynn are here to help. You don’t have to tough it out alone. Sometimes, a simple adjustment in the office clears up the issue right away.
Does Tooth Movement Always Hurt?
You might hear people talk about “tightening appointments.” With the modern wires and brackets we use, the idea of “tightening” is a bit outdated. Instead, our New England Orthodontic Specialists team adjusts the wires to guide your teeth toward their ideal spots. It might create a little pressure, but it’s not usually intense.
In fact, many people leave an adjustment feeling only mild tenderness. Teens can head back to class, and adults can return to work without skipping a beat. You might want a softer dinner that night, like pasta or steamed veggies, but you’ll likely be back to regular foods the next day.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy During Treatment
While you straighten your teeth, it’s important to keep them clean. Braces come with gaps and spaces that make it easier for plaque to hide. Clear aligners, on the other hand, require daily rinsing and the discipline to brush after meals.
Tips for caring for your mouth:
- Brush after every meal: This helps remove food bits that can get stuck around brackets or under aligners.
- Floss once a day: Use floss threaders or special tools if you have braces. With aligners, you can remove the trays to floss.
- Rinse with mouthwash: This can help wash away bacteria.
- Protect your braces and aligners from damage: Consider a mouthguard if you or your child play sports.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to explore braces or aligners for your child—or yourself—schedule an appointment with New England Orthodontic Specialists. Our team has headquarters in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, and Lynn to put your mind at ease, talk through your concerns, and set you on a path to a happier, healthier grin. To schedule your first appointment with Dr. Diana or Dr. Neil, go here.