If you’re considering braces, you may have wondered, “How much do braces hurt on a scale of 1-10?” The anticipation of pain can be daunting but don’t worry. In this article, we delve into the depths of orthodontic discomfort, providing valuable insights into the pain levels associated with braces.

We’ll also help you learn more about what relieves braces pain and what you can do to counter pain and discomfort.

Does Getting Braces Hurt?

Do braces hurt? It’s one of the most common questions we receive at The Super Dentists, right up there with, “Do I have cavities?” and “You’re really supposed to floss every day?”

We realize many patients experience anxiety when it comes to braces. Our orthodontists here at The Super Dentists do everything necessary to ensure each patient receives the best possible care, which includes practical, proven methods to lessen any fear before, during, and after your appointment.

Moreover, we have a few non-traditional treatment methods and innovative technology to eliminate discomfort, time-consuming appointments, and other negative aspects associated with traditional braces. But more on those in a moment.

Addressing braces pain is important for your overall oral health. Don’t let the fear of pain prevent you from getting the smile of your dreams.

How Much Do Braces Hurt on a Scale of 1-10

Everything is relative, including individual pain tolerance. Ask five people the question, “How much do braces hurt on a scale of 1-10,” and you’re likely to get five different answers, even with similar treatment schedules.

To better answer that question, consider the three main phases of the braces lifecycle:

• Getting braces put on
• Regular appointments to adjust wires or bands
• Getting braces taken off

Let’s examine these three different processes and explore the issue of braces pain more in-depth.

Does Putting on Braces Hurt?

For most patients, braces pain is most associated with the discomfort shortly after getting braces put on. Actually, the process itself is not painful. Getting braces installed is typically the most time-consuming part of the process, however.

It’s not actual braces pain that patients experience when they get braces put on; it’s more like a little tightness or minor discomfort. Here’s how traditional braces are installed:

• Brackets are installed to each tooth with enamel-colored dental cement.
• Wires are fed through tiny holes in the brackets.
• Once wires are laced through the brackets, they’re cut at each end.

Afterward, you can select the bands that hold your wires in place. The Super Dentists also offer cool, kid-friendly designs like WildSmiles Braces to express any personality.

During the entire process, braces, pain, and discomfort are limited and kept in check. We’ll ask if there is any pain, check that your tongue isn’t obstructed, and ensure there is no rubbing with your new braces. Do braces hurt? Certainly not during this part of the process!

However, a few days after your appointment (up to a week after), you may experience some slight pain or discomfort as your teeth adjust to the braces.

But we have a plan with braces pain relief. With pain relievers(Tylenol but not anti-inflammation medication such as Aspirin and Advil), warm saltwater rinses, oral anesthetics, and other proven ways to lessen discomfort, any minor pain associated with getting braces on should be completely eliminated.

Does Brace Tightening Hurt?

During regular checkups for your braces, bands and wires will need adjustment, which makes the teeth feel “tight.” This is totally normal and is to be expected.  This is one of the most common concerns about wearing braces.

As your teeth gradually shift into proper alignment, periodic adjustments are necessary to ensure progress. During these tightening appointments, we may apply pressure to the braces, encouraging the teeth to move in the desired direction.

While the level of discomfort experienced varies from person to person, it’s not uncommon to feel some degree of pain or discomfort after each tightening session.

Just keep in mind that the mild discomfort is minimal and temporary. It will subside in a few days and might feel like a slight ache around the teeth and gums. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used during this time.

Does It Hurt to Get Your Braces Off?

For many patients, getting braces off includes mild braces pain, but it’s not that uncomfortable. The Super Dentists’ orthodontists remove the bands and wires, then gently pry off the brackets from each tooth.

Once the braces are removed, we’ll do thorough teeth cleaning and possibly take x-rays to confirm how effective the braces were. You also may receive a retainer to wear at certain times during the day, which helps keep your teeth properly positioned while your gums and teeth heal.

Along with getting braces on, this will probably be your longest orthodontist appointment. And before you know it, your braces are off and you’re ready to show off your new smile!

How Long Do Braces Hurt?

When it comes to the duration of braces-related pain, it’s essential to understand that discomfort varies from person to person and throughout the course of treatment.

Initially, after braces are first placed or adjusted, it’s common to experience soreness and discomfort for a few days. This discomfort can be attributed to the pressure exerted on the teeth and the adjustment of the wires and brackets.

As your teeth gradually shift into their new positions, you may experience occasional episodes of discomfort after each tightening appointment.

The intensity and duration of this pain typically decrease as your treatment progresses. It’s important to note that everyone’s pain threshold is different, so what may be tolerable for one person could be more uncomfortable for another.

Does Getting Braces Hurt: Why Do Braces Hurt?

The “pain” that accompanies braces has to do with the subtle, relentless “pulling” of your teeth to align correctly. But this pulling is done over the course of months in order to limit pain. We’ll always do everything possible to make sure you’re comfortable when you have braces on.

As you can see, braces pain is largely contained during the entire process, and The Super Dentists will help ensure that, when someone asks you in the future, “Do braces hurt,” you can answer no!

Braces Pain Relief

As we touched on previously, medication like Motrin and Advil is effective in providing braces pain relief. Saltwater rinses and ensuring you take care of your braces will also help keep discomfort to a minimum.

If you have any questions about braces pain or would like to discuss orthodontic treatments with the Super Dentists, feel free to visit or reach out to us. Check out our area locations, call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or send a text message to 1 (844) 765-1234. You can always schedule an appointment online as well!

Thanks for considering The Super Dentists for your complete orthodontic needs. Visit us today and see why 1 in 5 San Diego children is a Super Dentists kid!