Each patient is different, and each has different levels of sensitivity to pain. Though orthodontic treatment can sometimes be uncomfortable, it’s all part of the process, and the uncomfortable parts don’t usually last for long.
Dr. Kanani always makes a point of being straightforward with his patients about what to expect from the treatment process, and parfticularly when it comes to pain and discomfort.
A little discomfort, pain and soreness is a normal part of the proceedings. After all, the structure of your smile is changing, and there are simply going to be times when that's going to feel a little uncomfortable.
That doesn’t mean you should expect to suffer for months on end, though! Most of the pain or discomfort you feel during treatment will be extremely transitory, lasting only for a few minutes, a few hours, or in some cases, a few days, before wearing off.
When will I feel pain during treatment?
Transitions
You will feel the most discomfort during transition points in your treatment process. For people wearing traditional wire braces, this will typically happens when the braces are first placed, and also during and shortly after each adjustment appointment.
But we're not talking any intense kind of pain here. The type of pain you feel during these transition periods in your treatment will be of a mild, achy sort, and by applying a little ice and maybe taking an over-the-counter painkiller or two, it shouldn’t last for more than a few days, tops.
Damaged Appliances
When your orthodontic appliances become damaged, they can sometimes cause pain. Usually, though, it’s only mildly irritating.
For example, if a wire becomes loose, it may irritate the inside of your cheek. If this happens, bend the wire back with a blunt object, such as a spoon, and contact Dr. Kanani's office and make an appointment to have the problem repaired.
Emergencies
Occasionally, more serious injuries and damage can occur. If you think you have an orthodontic emergency, or are experiencing abnormal pain that can’t be quelled with any of the above steps, call our office immediately and we’ll make space in our schedule to help!
