Do Fixed Braces Hurt?

When choosing which orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, patients often have the misconception that fixed braces hurt – which isn’t the case!

Fixed braces are a fast, effective way of straightening teeth without the needs to keep changing retainers. As well as straightening your teeth, they can help patients with complex oral health by spreading the biting pressure across all your teeth. Fixed braces apply varying pressure to the teeth to slowly encourage the teeth and their roots to shift into the desired position.

Application

Contrary to popular belief, getting fixed braces doesn’t hurt. The entire applications process takes on average about 2 hours and whilst some stages may feel uncomfortable, you won’t feel any pain. After your braces have been fitted, you may feel some soreness in your teeth and gums after a few hours. This is your teeth getting used to the pressure and feeling of having fixed braces on your teeth, this will last about a week before it subsides and you get used to the feeling.

Any discomfort you feel after having your fixed braces fitted can be treated with over-the-counter medications, your orthodontist will recommend which medication to take. To minimise discomfort for the first week or two, adapt your diet so it consists of soft foods that don’t need to be chewed such as yoghurt, soup and ice cream. Foods to avoid throughout the entire course of your treatment are hard, sticky foods such as popcorn, sweets and chewing gum.

Tightening

Throughout the course of your treatment, you will have to visit your orthodontist every few weeks to get your braces tightened. At these appointments, your orthodontist will assess how your teeth have moved and will tighten the wires and elastic bands to increase the tension and encourage further movement. After each visit you may feel slight discomfort but this will pass.

Removal

You’ve completed your treatment, congratulations! Once your teeth are in the desired final position, your orthodontist will remove your braces. This may feel strange and slightly uncomfortable but again, you should feel no real pain. Your orthodontist will give your teeth a thorough clean and may also offer teeth whitening as a final finishing touch.

To find out whether you are suitable for fixed braces, book a consultation with our orthodontic team to begin your journey.