Managing Your Pain During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can sometimes cause discomfort as the teeth are shifted into the correct position in your mouth. This seems to be a big concern for people who are considering undergoing orthodontic treatment as the question “are my braces going to hurt,” is one of the most common ones we hear.

The answer is that yes, your dental braces will sometimes make your teeth sore or uncomfortable. This is because of the changes in blood flow when pressure is applied to your teeth. The amount of pain you’ll experience during your orthodontic treatment will also depend on factors such as stress levels, emotional state, age, and even your gender. This is why some people say that braces weren’t a big deal for them and others suffered more pain and discomfort during treatment.

Managing Your Orthodontic Pain

Because each person responds differently to orthodontic pain, it’s essential that you are aware of the options available to you for controlling that pain. Here at Lockett Orthodontics, we recommend using over-the-counter pain medication such as Aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen. These have all been shown to help decrease the discomfort and pain caused by orthodontic treatment. Additionally, eat soft foods to reduce pressure put on your orthodontic braces and use dental wax to cover problematic wires or brackets that may cause pain or damage to the soft tissues.

For more tips on how to manage any pain or discomfort caused by your orthodontic treatment, or to make an appointment with Dr. Lockett, please contact Lockett Orthodontics located here in Colorado Springs, Colorado.