How Long Does Braces Pain Last?
There are factors that can necessitate the dentist in Houston to recommend braces for your teeth. These factors include teeth crowding, misaligned teeth, and crooked teeth. In addition to that, if you frequently bite your tongue or cut your tongue on your teeth or have experienced some difficulty when flossing your teeth, you might be a good candidate for braces. These dental tools will correct these dental problems if you wear the braces as recommended by the dentist.
Although braces are beneficial to your teeth, you might experience some pain during your first days of wearing these dental appliances. The good news is we will help you tackle this pain caused by braces and give you tips on how to take care of your teeth after getting these braces.
What Is the Procedure for Getting Braces?
It is essential to know what to expect from your dentist, who can fix dental braces near you. This ensures that you are calm and composed during the dental procedure.
The dentist will first inquire about your dental history and overall health and conduct a clinical exam to determine your dental needs. On top of that, the clinical exam will enable the dentist to identify any other dental problems before installing the braces.
Taking x-rays is another thing that the dentist will do to see if your teeth are okay and if there are no other issues. This is when the dentist will take dental impressions of your teeth so that the dental technician can make braces that will fit your teeth’s shape.
Next, the dentist will clean your teeth and dry your teeth. After this, the dentist will apply adhesive to your teeth to ensure the braces attach to your teeth well.
Arch wires are then installed into the brackets, and elastic bands are used to ensure the archwires are in place.
This procedure will take about 1-2 hours. It is imperative to note that you will experience some discomfort as your cheeks and tongue rub against the braces. You should get used to the discomfort and unfamiliarity in about a week.
How to Get Rid of Braces Pain
Braces are used to align your teeth, and this requires some pressure to ensure the teeth align well. This pressure can cause a lot of pain in your teeth and mouth, and the pain can be persistent. However, there are tips that we can give you to stop the braces’ pain.
First, your orthodontist can recommend using orthodontic wax. This should be part of your supply if it is your first time wearing braces. If your orthodontist does not provide one, you can buy it in the drug store.
Take a little of the orthodontic wax and roll it into a ball. Press the ball of wax over your braces where there is some irritation. The importance of this wax is to prevent any pain one th raw areas inside your mouth.
A warm salt water rinse is an important solution in the dental world. When you find an orthodontist who can install dental braces in Houston, they can recommend a salt water rinse during your first days of wearing the braces. This is because the warm salt solution can reduce irritation and swelling in the areas where the braces feel tight.
If you notice some swelling and bleeding in your gums, you have not cleaned the areas around your braces well. This is not a good sign as it can cause gingivitis. Mix a tablespoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm tap water in a glass to rectify the bleeding and swelling. Rinse with the warm salt water for 30-60 seconds. You can practice this routine 3-4times a day.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can go a long way in helping relieve the pain caused by braces. Your doctor needs to clear you to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is one of the best medications to deal with short-term dental pain. Ensure you follow the prescriptions to ensure the drug is effective.
A broken wire can cause braces pain pushed into your mouth or gums. It will be necessary for you to visit the dentist in Greater Houston Dental Arts so that they can repair the broken wire.