Are Braces Painful?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, they may be asking you if wearing braces is painful. Here are some things you can tell them.

Your Child May Experience Some Soreness When They’re First Put On

Putting braces on will take the better part of a morning or afternoon. During this process, your child may experience some funny tastes and sensations, but it’s not painful. Some minor soreness may start a few hours later as your child’s teeth begin to experience the adjustment process.

Rather than view this as something to be scared of, encourage your child to see it as something that will be minor and will soon pass. Ask your orthodontist whether any over-the-counter pain medications are in order or the use of an ice pack. Soft foods may be needed for a brief time, so let your child pick out some favorites, like yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. Cold food and drinks are also useful for minimizing soreness.

Contact Your Orthodontist If There Are Problems

If your child is experiencing severe pain or being poked by a loose wire, you should contact your orthodontist immediately. Your orthodontist will take a look at fixing whatever is causing the situation.

Normally, your child should be over the soreness within a week. He or she should be completely used to wearing his or her braces within a month.

Adjustment Sessions May Make for a Little Soreness

Your orthodontist will have your child in for follow-up appointments on a regular basis. These sessions will not take very long, and the main purpose for them is to increase the tension on your child’s braces to further the alignment of your child’s teeth. Your orthodontist will also make other adjustments and changes in your child’s braces as needed. Since the tension will be increased on his or her braces, some soreness may be experienced by your child. This soreness will be similar to the soreness he or she experienced at first, but generally, it will be less, and won’t last as long.

Things to Know About Music and Sports

Let your orthodontist know if your child participates in sports or plays wind instruments. Your orthodontist can give you advice on how to protect your child’s teeth, braces, and orthodontic progress. Mouthguards can limit the risks in sports, and wind instruments can be played with proper techniques and precautions.

Wearing braces involves some discomfort and changes in lifestyle, but your child will benefit for a lifetime. Talk to your orthodontist with your child if you have questions.

For more information about orthodontic care, for a consultation, or to answer any questions you may have, contact an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, today.

Thank you to the experts at San Clemente Orthodontics for their input into orthodontic care.