Orthodontic treatment will occasionally be uncomfortable, but don’t let it be a cause for concern! It’s a normal part of the process, and doesn’t usually last very long.
Here at Langley Orthodontics, we like to keep our patients informed about what to expect while wearing braces. We’re not going to pretend that you’re won't ever experience any discomfort during your orthodontic treatment.
In fact, some discomfort, pain and soreness is a standard part of the proceedings! The structure of your smile is changing after all, and there are times when you'll feel it.
That said, don't expect to suffer throughout your whole treatment! Pain sensitivity varies from person to person, but for most people, the discomfort is be very transitory, lasting only momentarily, a few hours, or at most a few days, before wearing off.
When will I feel pain during treatment?
You'll feel discomfort mostly during transition points, for example when the braces are first placed, and also during and shortly after your adjustment appointments.
It will be a mild, achy sort of discomfort, and with some ice and maybe an over-the-counter painkiller or two, it shouldn’t last for more than a few days at the very most.
Damaged Appliances
Damaged orthodontic appliances can cause some pain, though in fact "irritation" would actually be a better word for it.
A wire may become loose, for example, and rub against the inside of your cheek, irritating. If this happens, you can bend the wire back with a spoon or another small, blunt object, to get it out of the way. Then call our office and make an appointment to have the problem wire repaired.
Of course, more serious injuries and damage are also possible. If you think you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, or if you're experiencing unusually high levels of pain that can’t be dealt with with any of the above methods, call our office as soon as possible, and we’ll make some room in our schedule to help!