Using braces can help improve the position of your teeth and have many other benefits. However, the use of braces is often overshadowed by the pain it causes. Is it true and is there a way to fix it?
There are often advertisements or places for installing braces that are not carried out by professional dentists. It's best to avoid these services. The installation of braces should be carried out by an orthodontist, namely a dental specialist who has received special training for tightening and aligning rows of teeth.
The benefits of using braces are not trivial. Starting from smoothing the location and arrangement of teeth, leveling the position of the upper and lower teeth, overcoming speech barriers, difficulty chewing and gum disease, and tooth decay.
The use of braces, as part of an orthodontic procedure, will cause pain, especially at the beginning of use. It is usually more pronounced in users of permanent braces, compared to removable ones.
However, there is no need to worry too much when the orthodontist recommends that you use braces. With professional treatment and advice from an orthodontist, the pain caused by using braces can be minimized.
Reason FlavorSick
Surveys show that pain caused by orthodontic procedures is indeed one of the things that can hinder, as well as cause patient reluctance to continue treatment. Pain is one of the most feared things when someone wants to do orthodontic treatment. Various pains expressed by patients who use braces, among others, are described as feeling pressure, tension, pain and aches in the teeth.
The cause of pain due to the use of braces is not yet known with certainty. However, a study suggests that the discomfort may be due to changes in blood flow to the teeth due to pressure from braces.
In addition, the friction of braces and their accessory instruments against the soft tissues of the mouth can cause pain. Even so, after some time, the network will adapt so that braces users feel more comfortable.
Efforts to Reduce Pain
In order to get the maximum benefit from wearing braces, it is necessary to make efforts to reduce pain. Some of the things you can do include:
- During the first few weeks of using braces, you can use orthodontic wax (orthodontic wax) to avoid injury. Use it when you feel uncomfortable. Remove the wax from the package on your finger, then apply it to the part of the brace that feels sharp or piercing.
- Choose soft foods that don't require a lot of chewing for the first few days after braces. The pain will mainly be felt in 1-3 days from use.
- Avoid acidic drinks and foods. The citrus content in it can worsen the condition of the sores in the mouth or trigger the pain even more.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods as they can damage braces and cause irritation. Also avoid the habit of biting hard objects such as pens, pencils, and ice cubes
- Chewing gum increases blood flow to the mouth and gums, which can help relieve discomfort.
- Cold foods such as ice cream can provide an immune feeling that reduces pain. In addition, you can put ice cubes on the painful area.
- If necessary, ask your doctor to give you painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If the pain is excruciating or makes you unable to carry out regular activities, especially after using braces or each time braces are adjusted, consult your orthodontist. Ask for the best solution to reduce excessive pain.
