Reasons Why Teeth Braces Hurt
By the Above Dental Care team · · 1 min read
Braces can cause some discomfort, especially at the start. Here are the most common reasons why.
Adjustment pressure
When braces are first put on, or after an adjustment, the pressure from the brackets and wires can cause discomfort as your teeth are gradually moved into their new positions.
Soreness
The metal brackets and wires can rub against the inside of your mouth, causing soreness or irritation to the soft tissues.
Elastic bands
If your braces include elastic bands, they can put extra pressure on your teeth and jaw, leading to additional discomfort.
Tooth movement
As your teeth shift, the surrounding bone and gum tissue can feel tender and sore.
Tightening
Periodic tightening of the wires increases the pressure on your teeth, which can cause pain or sensitivity for a few days.
Increased sensitivity
Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods because of changes in their alignment and the pressure from the braces.
This discomfort is usually temporary and eases as your mouth adjusts and your teeth begin to move into their new positions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, orthodontic wax and a soft diet can help during this adjustment period. See our Teeth Braces | Orthodontics page to learn more about treatment.
