Patients usually want to know if there is pain associated with invisible braces and how to deal with it. The truth is that the pain many adults experience is less than what invisible braces cause. When you experience discomfort long enough, the body learns to adjust. The same applies to invisible braces. Continue reading to know how to deal with pain caused by invisible braces.
Invisible braces align the teeth to improve oral health and the appearance of the smile, but they can cause pain. The precise cause of discomfort is not known, but it can be credited to internal and external factors:
Internal factors: As the invisible braces place force on the teeth to move them to their new position, there is a change in blood flow, which may cause pain. In the early stages, the oral tissues may feel sore from the pressure but will soon diminish as the treatment progresses. Sometimes, the pain or discomfort is the best way to know that the treatment is working.
External factors: Pain may occur when the soft tissues of the oral cavity rub against the brackets and wires. Having to wear plastic trays for over 22 hours per day is bound to cause irritation as the gums and tongue touch the aligners. This type of pain reduces over time as the tissues get tougher. Orthodontic wax can relieve pain caused by poking archwires.
Also, with teeth straightening treatment, the person’s drinking, eating and swallowing habits change suddenly. As the teeth move, bite alignment changes. The patient will start to chew differently and put pressure on teeth that were not familiar with the pressure. Since gum tissues are like muscle, new activity in strange areas may cause the tissues to feel tired and sore later.
Most of the pain associated with invisible braces will diminish in time as the patient adjusts to the treatment. In the first week, depending on the treatment, the plastic trays or archwires will cause irritation and minor cuts on the tongue and cheeks. The resulting mouth sores can be inconvenient, so patients must take steps to prevent them. Using dental wax on the rougher edges or wires is a quick fix. Patients can ask their dentist to adjust areas that may be causing irritation.
Dental professionals usually suggest keeping peroxide-based dental rinse close. The rinse is specially formulated to help with minor irritations of the oral tissues during teeth straightening treatment. It has a soothing effect that keeps the pain caused by invisible braces at bay.
Another way to relieve pain is to place cold compresses on the painful area. A cold compress will numb the jaws and soothe gum or tooth pain caused by the straightening device. It is an effective away to combat pain in the first week of treatment. Food choices when undergoing treatment also matter. Patients should stick to foods that are easy to chew, especially when the gums still feel sore.
It is normal to be concerned about the pains that may be caused by invisible braces. However, do not let the fear of pain discourage you from getting the smile you want.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
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