Pain and Soreness

How Much Pain is Normal?

It is normal for teeth to be sore after braces are placed or adjusted for 2-3 days. You may also feel irritation on the cheeks, lips and tongue lasting for 1-2 weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces rubbing against them.

Pain Relief

Gargling with lukewarm salt water (1 tsp. salt to 8oz of water) can help with tender teeth. You can also try over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve soreness. For irritation to the soft tissues in your mouth, we can supply you with wax to create a protective barrier on the outside of the braces. If you have a wire poking you, please contact the office so we can correct it.

Loose Teeth

While a bit unsettling, it is also normal for teeth to begin to feel loose. In fact, this is reassurance that your braces are doing their job! They must first loosen your teeth to move them. Don’t worry, they will not always feel loose.  Please do not push on them with your tongue to make them looser, they will tighten up in time.

Sports Mouth Guards

If you play sports, we can provide you with a special mouth guard to wear for protection during play or you can purchase one in a sporting goods store that is moldable, but not too tight fitting.  It must be readjusted after each use to allow the teeth to move.  There are orthodontic ones available in stores also.  Please do not “chew” on your mouthguard.  It can break your appliances off your teeth.

When to Call

If you feel a sharp pain or a sore begins to develop on your gums, cheeks or lips, please call us. If you suspect that you have a loose or broken band, brace or wire, please call us so that we can remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Don’t worry; your teeth won’t hurt forever! If you have any questions about the duration or intensity of soreness and pain in your mouth, please give us a call!