Orthodontic treatment plays a key role in straightening teeth as one of the common treatments for correcting dental abnormalities. However, a question that occupies the minds of many visitors to Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic is the possibility of pain during orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontic patients frequently ask us after starting their treatment, “Does orthodontic treatment hurt?”, “How can we reduce orthodontic dental pain?”, or “How long does orthodontic pain last?”
Confirmed by Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Specialists
The content of this article is for your information only. Before taking any action for treatment, consult with Dr. Bonyanian’s dental office.
In addition, we will point out factors that can contribute to pain and provide solutions for reducing and relieving orthodontic pain. We will also address how much pain from orthodontic treatment is normal and when you should see an orthodontist.
Does Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?
Pain in orthodontics is described as an unpleasant sensation in the teeth, gums, and jaw area, which is caused by the pressure and force of orthodontic appliances. [9] This pain can be sharp, dull, mild, or severe. In fact, in response to the question “Does orthodontic treatment hurt?”, it should be said yes, but the level of pain tolerance and the severity of dental abnormalities of individuals determine the amount of orthodontic pain.
Main Reasons for Pain in Orthodontics
You may be wondering why we experience pain during orthodontic treatment. In general, you experience pain during your orthodontic treatment for a few main reasons, the most important of which are the following.
Application of Pressure by Brackets and Wires
The application of pressure by brackets and wires is one of the main causes of pain in orthodontics. [15] This pressure is applied with the aim of moving the teeth, guiding them to their original position, straightening them, and the need to apply gentle and continuous force.
The application of each of the orthodontic equipment is as follows:
- Brackets: Brackets are small pieces that are attached to the surface of the teeth, and the orthodontic wire passes through them.
- Wires: The main function of orthodontic wires is to apply pressure to the teeth and move them.
Adjusting and Tightening the Wires
During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist adjusts and tightens the wires to move the teeth. This can cause temporary pain and discomfort in the teeth and gums.
The pain caused by the pressure at this stage is divided into two types: initial pain and pain after adjusting the wire:
- Initial pain: After installing the brackets and wires, you may feel severe pain in your teeth and gums in the first few hours. This pain usually goes away after a few days. [7]
- Pain after adjusting the wire: After the orthodontist adjusts and tightens the wires, you may again experience pain and discomfort in your teeth and gums. This pain is also temporary and goes away after a few days. [3]
Use of Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic elastics are also one of the orthodontic appliances that are placed in the mouth with the aim of applying pressure to the teeth. [7] These elastics are attached to the upper and lower brackets and can be a little painful. Because opening the mouth and talking with these elastics is a bit difficult (due to fatigue of the jaw and face muscles).
Sore Gums
The type of orthodontic treatment (fixed orthodontics, removable orthodontics, and invisible orthodontics) and the skill of the dentist in installing the brackets and wires can together become a factor for the health of the gums after the orthodontic process is completed. [9]
It is possible that your gums will be damaged with minor or deep wounds during treatment (in the first session). These wounds usually heal after 2 to 5 days. But they may bother you until they are fully healed.
The Importance of Choosing an Orthodontist on the Amount of Pain
The experience and expertise of the orthodontist is one of the most important issues that you should pay attention to when choosing your dentist. Because an experienced and skilled orthodontist plays a key role in reducing pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment.
Reasons for the Importance of Choosing an Orthodontist
A good orthodontist, with sufficient knowledge and skill, installs the wires and brackets in the best possible way for their patient, does not cause any damage to your gums, and prevents unnecessary pain and discomfort during treatment.
Accurate diagnosis of the required pressure, developing a correct treatment plan, using new techniques and equipment, and controlling and adjusting the wires and brackets are also factors that a good and experienced specialist can prevent pain and discomfort during treatment by making decisions about them.
Orthodontic Treatment at Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Clinic
Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Clinic is one of the best dental clinics in Tehran that offers a wide range of dental services, including orthodontics, to its clients. This clinic, with a team of experienced and skilled specialists in the field of orthodontics, will perform a painless process for you.
Among other advantages of having orthodontic treatment at Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, we can mention the presence of the best orthodontists in Tehran in this clinic and the possibility of paying the cost of orthodontic treatment in installments during your treatment sessions.
You can see more pictures of the orthodontic treatments performed in this clinic on our dental gallery page and get more information through a free consultation and by calling 00982188539720 or by visiting our clinic, located at Unit 7, No. 22, West 6th St., Ahmad Ghasir (Bokharest) St., Argentina Sq., Tehran.
Types of Orthodontic Pain Based on Time
Orthodontic pain is divided into three categories based on the time of performing and implementing the orthodontic processes: “during the installation of orthodontic appliances in the mouth”, “the first week after orthodontics”, and “the rest of the days until the completion of treatment”.
Most people do not experience any pain when installing orthodontic appliances. They may only feel a little uncomfortable due to the presence of a new foreign object in their mouth. This feeling will completely disappear after a few days. (Don’t forget that you have to live with your brackets for about a year and a half).
About 95% of what you read about orthodontic pain is related to this period. In this period, due to the beginning of movement and lack of adaptation to the braces, you will face discomfort and pain.
In addition, in this period, eating and talking will be difficult for people. You may need to use over-the-counter pain relievers for this week. But be sure that after a maximum of one week and reaching the third period, you will no longer face the initial pain and discomfort.
In addition, the motivation of having straight and uniform teeth makes up for these difficulties. Reading the articles on Damon orthodontics and lingual orthodontics will also provide you with more information about the types of orthodontic dental treatments.
Factors That Can Worsen Pain from Pressure in Orthodontics
There are some factors that can worsen orthodontic pain. These factors include the following:
- Type of orthodontic appliance: Metal brackets usually apply more pressure than ceramic or Invisalign brackets.
- Amount of pressure applied: More force is accompanied by more pain and discomfort.
- Pain tolerance threshold: People with a low pain tolerance threshold experience more pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment. [12]
- Oral and dental condition: Gum diseases can worsen orthodontic pain.
- Habits and diet: Habits such as chewing hard and sticky foods can increase the pressure on the teeth and brackets. [11]
- Incorrect adjustment of the orthodontic appliance: Improper adjustment of the wires can apply excessive pressure to the teeth and worsen the patient’s pain.
Solutions to Reduce Orthodontic Pain
Doing a few tricks and tips will help you to get rid of the pain caused by your orthodontic teeth to a great extent. In the following, we will introduce and review some of these solutions.
Eating Soft Foods
One of the most important things to pay attention to in the early days after orthodontic treatment is to eat soft and mashed foods. [13] Try to avoid eating hard and chewy foods as much as possible.
Foods such as all kinds of soups, cooked rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, porridge, and lentils are the most suitable foods to eat during this period.
Using Over-the-Counter Painkillers
If bearing the pain is difficult for you, use painkillers for your orthodontic pain. [16] For example, you can use over-the-counter painkillers such as gelofen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen to relieve your orthodontic pain. [6] Of course, it is better to consult your orthodontist about this before doing so.
Using Ice
Placing an ice pack on your cheeks helps reduce pain and inflammation. [8] You can repeat this 3 to 4 times throughout the day.
Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is a barrier that prevents the sharpness of the brackets from irritating your mouth and tongue. [4] After the orthodontic process, the orthodontist will teach you how to use orthodontic wax.
Final Conclusion
In many cases, the fear of the painfulness of orthodontic treatment is much greater than the pain you experience during a full year of treatment. Do not forget that the health and beauty of your teeth are of great importance. Therefore, it is better to try to complete this process by ignoring the fear of orthodontic dental pain and enjoy a beautiful and neat smile.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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