One of the most commonly asked questions about dental braces is whether placing them causes any pain or discomfort. The honest answer is that braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to the teeth, so there is no reason to be anxious. In most cases, there is mild soreness or discomfort after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the brackets, which may last for a few days (average 3 - 5 days).

What to expect when getting braces:

• Placement day – The placement of braces will not be painful in the slightest. Your mouth will be open for a period of time while the braces are placed. It will take time to adjust to the braces. In most cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual and will feel different against your cheeks. Hard, difficult to chew foods should be avoided in favour of a softer diet for the first few days after placement of braces.
  
  
• Three days after placement – The first several days after placement of braces can be slightly uncomfortable. This is because the teeth are beginning the realignment process and are not used to the pressure of the archwire and orthodontic elastic bands. The orthodontist will provide relief wax to apply over the braces as necessary. Wax helps provide a smooth surface and alleviates irritation on the inner cheeks and lips. Additionally, over-the-counter pain medication (e.g. Tyelonol, Advil) may be taken as directed to relieve mild soreness.
  
  
• Five days after placement – After five days, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone. The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier. Certain hard foods need to be avoided to avoid breakages, and delays in treatment but we will advise you on this at your appointment. Normal eating, with some adaptions, may be resumed at this point.
  
  
• Getting your braces adjusted – Regular orthodontic appointments are necessary to allow the orthodontist to change the archwire, change the rubber or metal ties, and make adjustments to the braces. Fixed braces work by gradually moving the teeth into a new and proper alignment, so gentle pressure needs to be applied constantly. The first several days after an orthodontic adjustment may be slightly uncomfortable, but remember that this discomfort will quickly fade.
  
  
• Dealing with discomfort – Over-the-counter pain medication and orthodontic relief wax will help alleviate any mild soreness and discomfort following placement of braces and orthodontic adjustments - check out our advice.

Understanding Treatment 

It's important to us that your child is an active and willing participant in their treatment. At North Shore Orthodontics, we take the time to help you and your child to understand why treatment may be necessary. During your Consultation, our Treatment Coordinator explains treatment to both patient and guardian in easy-to-understand language and is happy to answer any questions you or your child may have. 

Treatment Options 

During your consultation, we work with you to decide which option works for you. We demonstrate your options using a 3D digital simulation, as well as showing you real-life examples of our appliances, aligners, braces and aligners. 

Alternatives To Braces

Clear aligners can be a great alternative to braces! They are essentially removable braces, with small, transparent bumps that are placed on your teeth to create the movements as prescribed by our orthodontists. 

Contact us to book your consultation and find out your treatment options!

Brushing and flossing is more challenging with braces, and does require a bit more time and effort but we try to make it a smooth transition for you. We go over techniques and practice with every patient when you get your braces on.

We recommend using floss threaders or superfloss to get under the wire.

The answer is - it really depends on you! During your consultation we will help you to make the right decision for you and your family.

Both braces and clear aligners are effective at moving teeth and yield the same amazing results!

Some things to consider:

• With braces you have to be careful not to eat anything too sticky, hard, chewy or gooey (foods like popcorn, or gum), otherwise you risk breaking off brackets and delaying your treatment.
• Clear aligners must be worn as directed (22 hours a day) to be as efficient as braces. They are removable, so the patient must be responsible to look after them, keep them safe in the case and remember to put them back in!