Is orthodontic treatment painful?

One of the questions that our patients ask themselves is if orthodontic treatment painful and if that pain is intense. Many patients who require orthodontic treatment fear that possible pain, and that it is too strong, but nothing is further from reality. It is true that some discomfort may be experienced throughout the treatment, especially at the beginning of the movement, but without interfering with day-to-day life. Not only do they not interfere with day-to-day life, but also the advantages of the treatment far outweigh the possible drawbacks.

Is orthodontic treatment painful?

The main objective of orthodontic treatment is to correct a malocclusion or a bad bite. This is achieved through micromovements of the teeth that are carried out little by little. Through constant pressure on the teeth we are able to move the teeth. This feeling of pressure is generated every time the archwires or ligatures of the brackets are changed or every time the invisalign aligner is changed.

It is actually a tolerable pressure that can cause minor discomfort but not pain. If it were intense pain, no child would be able to tolerate it.

is orthodontic treatment painful?

As we have previously mentioned, the discomfort caused by the orthodontic movement occurs when the pressure on the teeth is expressed through the brackets. These discomforts occur mainly when biting but subside after a few days. Another discomfort that orthodontics can cause is the appearance of sores or canker sores. In those cases it is advisable to use wax to cover the areas that cause them.

Do all types of orthodontics produce the same pain?

The treatment with invisible orthodontics or Invisalign is the one that produces less discomfort. That is because they do not produce sores or ulcers due to metal friction. In addition, the adaptation process is shorter. Not only that, but we can remove the aligners in the event that the discomfort is increased. On the other hand, there is lingual orthodontics, which would be the one that would generate the most discomfort, in addition to affecting the way of speaking and sores on the tongue.

How can the discomfort caused by orthodontics be calmed?

In case of orthodontic pain, we must follow the orthodontist’s instructions to minimize it. One remedy is the use of analgesic medications. For sores it is advisable to use wax in the areas of friction. We can also use specific products for sores that contain hyaluronic acid.

Remedies to relieve orthodontic pain

It is important in addition to the aforementioned pain relievers, orthodontic wax and gels for sores, that good oral hygiene is maintained. The use of interdental brushes in addition to waterpick-type irrigators is recommended. Also, avoid hard or sticky foods.

At BLASI Clínica Dental Barcelona we have the latest technology in dentistry. Our orthodontic specialists are trained in the best European and American universities.