With many things meant to improve our lives – weight lifting, learning a new skill, overcoming bad habits, and others – there is a measure of discomfort involved. The same is true with repositioning your teeth by using braces. The staff at Yuba City Dental Group prepare you for what to expect, but until it arrives, reality might not have set in. So, when the pain becomes real, what do you do?
Why Braces Sometimes Hurt
It might help to build a foundation by explaining the source of the pain from wearing braces. The brackets and wires that make up orthodontic braces create tension to pull your teeth into proper alignment. Medical researchers think the pain is caused by the change in blood flow created by moving the teeth. The blood vessels in your jaw need to move and alter in response to your teeth’s new positions. As they relocate, the pain dissipates. But when you get your braces adjusted to continue your treatment, an increase in wire tension can make the pain reappear. Positive changes are once again taking place!
Some patients report pain in their cheeks or gums while wearing braces. This usually happens due to the soft tissues rubbing against hard brackets and wires. This pain subsides as your mouth gets used to the braces. But if the pain still causes issues for you, talk to the Yuba City Dentistry Group about waxes or other treatments to soothe your mouth until it toughens up.
Coping with Pain from Braces
Though the tension pain from braces is part of the procedure, some patients might appreciate a little help dealing with it periodically. If that is the case, the Yuba City Dentistry Group recommends over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Remember, the pain becomes readily bearable and even goes away over time, so we do not recommend making pain relievers a daily regimen. Eating softer foods until the pain is reduced also helps. Gently brushing your teeth and gums stimulates the adjustment of the blood vessels, helping to minimize the pain. If the pain is still too much, there might be other contributing factors. Please contact the Yuba City Dentistry Group to discuss the issue and all available options to help you cope.
Eventually, braces will become a part of you and your everyday routine, until the day they are removed. Months and years later any discomfort is just a memory, but that great smile in the mirror will stay with you for a long time! If you have any questions or concerns about braces or what is involved with the procedure, please call Yuba City Dentistry Group. Our staff is ready to discuss them with you.
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