Do Braces Hurt?

Braces

Do Braces Hurt?

Yes and no. You’ve probably heard from a friend or family member that braces hurt, but you also saw that same person laughing and smiling all the time with braces on. So what’s the deal?

Kids with braces

Initial Feeling

When your friend told you that their braces hurt, they were most likely referring to the discomfort they felt after first getting their braces on. I like to describe the initial tooth movement like trying to push your car after it broke down. It’s really hard to get the car rolling in the beginning and teeth are the same way which is why that initial tooth movement hurts. In fact, when you start your orthodontic treatment, you will almost always start in the lightest wire we have, and yet, that’s when your teeth will be the most sore. For most patients their teeth will be sore for 5-10 days after placement of the initial orthodontic wire, but for some it may last as long as two weeks. But just like a broken down car, once you get it rolling, it’s pretty easy to keep it rolling, and your teeth are the same way. Once the teeth are moving, keeping them moving is fairly easy. Your teeth may get sore again for a day or two after your activation appointments, but for the most part your teeth shouldn’t hurt in between appointments. 

Elastics are Important

If and when the time comes to wear elastics, however, your teeth probably will get sore again, especially if you wear them inconsistently. If you are wearing your elastics as prescribed though, again, for the most part your teeth shouldn’t hurt.

Braces elastics

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