My Braces Hurt So Bad I Want To Cry: Clear Aligners to the Rescue

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wearing braces

Are you considering getting your teeth straightened to improve your smile, but you're worried about “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry” with traditional braces—the standard method of treating malocclusion? You’re not by yourself. It's common (and understandable) for people to be anxious about braces; they may worry about how painful they will be during treatment or anticipate relief from the discomfort at some point.

In this blog, we’ll examine the logical reasons why, for relatively painless teeth-straightening solutions such as clear aligners, you should give transparent aligners significant consideration.

Take a Free Smile Assessment and check your eligibility for clear aligners.

The Pain of Wearing Braces

As previously discussed, braces are well-established orthodontic appliances used to straighten crooked teeth and realign misaligned jaws. Additionally, you have options for the material: clear (semi-transparent), ceramic, or even metal. But they are painful.

The stages listed below often comprise their induced pain cycle:

  • The Initial Pain
  • Following Adjustments
  • Pain to Soft Tissues
  • when the Pain Reliability Declines (somewhat)

Getting Ready for the Pain

Brace discomfort is directly related to each person’s threshold for pain.

Here's something to be prepared for:

  • Initial Discomfort: After being "fixed," be prepared for this when you begin the treatment.
  • Discomfort Following Adjustments: Following each adjustment, you may likely experience some discomfort.
  • Tissue Irritation: Sores, ulcers, and infections may be brought on by the brackets and wires. This can be countered using orthodontic wax, which is quite effective.
  • Getting Used to It: Most people eventually get used to having braces. But a sizable number don't.
  • Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically helpful in reducing discomfort related to braces. However, before taking any medicine, speak with your orthodontist or other healthcare provider.

What Affects (Increases) the Degree of Discomfort?

The following are the effects that increase the degree of discomfort:

  • The degree of misalignment in your teeth
  • Type and size of brace
  • Modification action
  • Individually tolerant
  • Dental health (hygiene plus diet)

For How Long Are Braces Painful?

After getting braces, most people feel uncomfortable for a few days to a few weeks. Following are the pain index durations during the initial stage of orthodontic treatment.

Pain Index Duration of Pain
Initial Discomfort 1-2 days
Sore after tightness 2-3 days
Periodic Pain After every adjustment

Clear Aligners to Rescue

Clear aligners work as braces, but discreetly. The majority of patients seeking orthodontic straightening treatment are increasingly choosing clear aligners as their treatment option. And there's a reason for the excitement.

These are most effective for mild to moderate cases of misalignment, including modest cases of crowding, spacing, and biting abnormalities.

transparent aligners
A girl holding transparent aligners

How do Clear Aligners Work?

An increasingly popular method of straightening teeth is using clear aligners. To give orthodontic patients the desired modification, they are worn on their teeth. Additionally, they specialize in treating mild to moderate cases.

Clear aligners help move your teeth for teeth straightening by applying mild pressure to your teeth.

Every patient has a different treatment plan for clear aligners. However, it is advised that orthodontic patients wear clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day in order to achieve the best outcomes.

How Clear Aligners Are a Modest Option for Teeth Straightening?

Let's examine why and how transparent aligners frequently provide more pain relief than traditional braces altogether, covering more than simply physical discomfort:

  • Prioritizing comfort— They cause the least amount of discomfort.
  • Freedom to Take Out— As clear aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
  • First and foremost, safety: Broken brackets or wires can result in excruciating discomfort. With clear aligners, this risk is eliminated.
  • Predicted Results: Accurate dental impressions are produced by precise 3D imaging, resulting in "zero pain" from a snug fit.
  • Quick Fix - Potentially Faster: In certain situations, clear aligners might produce effects more quickly than braces. This lowers the likelihood of experiencing any permanent discomfort.
  • Lifestyle-Friendly: When participating in outdoor activities, you can take them off. No mental, emotional, or spiritual suffering.
Clear Aligners
A girl holding Clear Aligners

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

The average time of treatment for clear aligners is six to eighteen months. This has the benefit of being faster than traditional braces, especially in situations that are mild to moderate.

They greatly lessen tooth discomfort because of the following characteristics:

  • Appearance: Almost invisible, clear aligners offer a discrete alternative for people who are self-conscious about wearing traditional braces (so no social angst).
  • Comfort: Clear aligners are more comfortable in the mouth and cause less irritation and pain because they are made of smooth plastic.
  • Removability: Clear aligners are very convenient to take out for eating, drinking, and taking care of your teeth.
  • Oral hygiene: Since you can take out the aligners to brush and floss, cleaning teeth is hassle-free. As a result, there is a markedly decreased chance of oral infections.
  • Fewer Emergencies: Less frequently, orthodontic emergencies resulting from clear aligners mean fewer unplanned trips to the orthodontist.

Although braces are an excellent way to straighten teeth, wearing one does not have to cause terrible pain. Clear aligners are usually beneficial when it comes to taking a better approach to getting the smile of their dreams. By beginning teeth straightening with clear aligners, you can avoid all the discomfort and pain associated with traditional braces. Additionally, people who receive clear aligner treatment can always maintain their physical attractiveness.

Call us at (877) 840 1561 to gather a complete understanding of Clear Aligners.

FAQs

1. Why do my teeth feel loose with braces?

Braces shift teeth into their proper places gradually by using mild pressure. Teeth may feel a little loose during this movement as they become used to their new alignment.

2. Can I sleep with wax on my braces?

If sleeping with orthodontic wax helps reduce discomfort from wires or brackets rubbing against your cheeks or gums, it's normally okay to wear braces while sleeping.

3. How to stop braces from scratching without wax?

Dental wax replacements or orthodontic silicone coverings are good options if you don't have any wax. To further lessen irritation, ask your orthodontist to soften any sharp edges on your braces.

4. Why do teeth feel wobbly with braces?

Because the braces are moving the teeth into new places, orthodontic therapy may cause them to feel unsteady. This feeling is typical and shows that your teeth are moving into their proper positions thanks to the braces.

5. Why do teeth flare after braces?

After braces are taken off, teeth might occasionally seem to flare slightly. This may occur if there is not enough room for every tooth to line up precisely. To solve this problem, your orthodontist could suggest retainers or other changes.

  • Meredith Barker

    Meredith Barker

    Content Contributor

    Meredith Barker is a dental consultant and writer known for her insightful contributions to alignerco.com since 2015. She earned her diploma from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has since been a prominent figure in dental research and education. Barker has over 20 years of experience in the... Read More

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