According to Bracesguide.com, dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) were designed to correct the misalignment of teeth due to overbites, underbites, cross bites and open bites, crooked teeth and other teeth alignment issues. They also help shape the teeth and jaw. While children and teenagers are the typical recipients, some adults can benefit from braces as well. If it is determined that you will need braces, your orthodontist will ask about your health, examine the structure of your teeth structure, and order X-rays of your mouth and head. While braces may correct conditions, they can also cause pain.
Choosing your Braces
According to the Archwired Web site, there are several types of braces. Traditional braces are stainless steel, and may require ties to hold the archwire in place and guide the movement of the teeth. Clear braces are a cosmetic alternative to the traditional archwire braces. These braces are made of ceramic or plastic materials, and blend in more naturally with the teeth. Gold-plated stainless steel braces are usually used when a patient is allergic to nickel. Lingual braces are made to fit behind the teeth, and are not usually noticeable during casual interaction. Of these types of braces, traditional metal braces can be the most painful to get and to remove, and the most difficult to eat with, as food is more likely to get caught in the metal.
Regular Dental Visits
Visit your orthodontist about once a month during the time you have your braces on. Your dentist can make sure there are no loose wires or other problems, and therefore help stave off unnecessary pain. The amount of time you are required to wear braces may depend upon the health of your teeth, gums and supporting bone; the severity of the teeth problems; and other issues. Typically, braces remain on the teeth from one to three years. During office visits, your orthodontist will make sure your braces are exerting the right amount of pressure: too much can cause pain, while too little can result in ineffective re-alignment. The dentist may also make adjustments to the braces' wires, springs or rubber bands if any of these mechanisms are causing you pain.
Pain Management Tricks
According to the Braces Guide Web site, common medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce pain. For patients with less severe pain, biting into a small plastic product called a wafer or chewing gum can help by stimulating the blood flow to the mouth, which promotes healing. If chewing gum is not a viable option, eating soft or cold foods (i.e. ice cream, pudding, mashed potatoes, etc.) may also be effective.
In addition to the regular pain of wearing braces, sores can occasionally occur on the cheeks, lips or tongue. These tissues harden over time and cause calluses to form. Rinsing your mouth with mouth wash may help minimize the risk of inflammation and/or infection. Your dentist may also recommend a topical or local anesthetic such as Orabase or Orajel to temporarily relieve pain.
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