Braces are a proven way to improve your smile and prevent health problems. However, you may experience mild discomfort, especially in the first few days after they are fitted or adjusted. Don’t worry—this is completely normal and shouldn’t be too severe. Here are some helpful tips on how to relieve the discomfort caused by your braces and prevent it in the long term.
Why do braces hurt?
Before you do anything to relieve the pain, it helps to know why it's happening in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:
- Pressure and Friction: The brackets and wires exert pressure on your teeth and can irritate the inside of your mouth.
- Protruding wires: Sometimes wires stick out and can scratch the inside of your cheeks.
- Tooth Movement: Your braces cause your teeth to move, which may feel uncomfortable at first.
- Poor oral hygiene: Bacteria and plaque can cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms.
If the pain persists or becomes too severe, you should definitely see your orthodontist to determine the cause and find the best solution.
Here's how you can relieve the pain
1. targeted use of painkillers
If you experience more severe pain, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Please take these only after consulting your orthodontist.
2. rinsing with salt water
Lukewarm salt water has a soothing effect and can help your gums. Rinse your mouth several times a day to promote healing.
3. use wax for brackets
If your braces or wires are rubbing, you can apply special wax. This protects your mucous membranes from irritation.
4. prefer soft food
Avoid hard and sticky foods during the first few days. Soft foods such as yogurt, soups, or purees are ideal right now.
5. gentle dental care
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth thoroughly to prevent inflammation. Interdental brushes help keep the areas around the brackets clean.
6. attend check-up appointments
Regular visits to JUST KFO ensure that your braces fit properly and that all your questions are answered. If you are experiencing severe pain, please make an appointment so we can check the fit.
When should you see your orthodontist?
Sometimes it's necessary to visit your orthodontist:
- Persistent pain or pain that lasts longer than a week.
- Inflammation or open sores in the mouth.
- Protruding wires that injure the mucous membranes.
- Loosened brackets or wires that interfere with tooth correction.
- Unusual tooth movements or loosening of the teeth.
How to Avoid Pain From the Start
With the right preparation, you can prevent many health problems:
- Be sure to practice thorough oral hygiene to prevent inflammation.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Use orthodontic wax to minimize friction against the oral mucosa.
- If necessary, cool your mouth with cold drinks or ice cubes.
- Please come in regularly for JUST KFO for a professional checkup and consultation.
This way, orthodontic treatment is relatively painless
Braces-related pain is usually only temporary and can be easily managed with the right measures. Here at JUST KFO you throughout your entire treatment and make sure you feel comfortable. However, if you experience severe discomfort, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Get professional advice now—for pain-free and effective orthodontic treatment with JUST KFO!
Häufig gestellte Fragen zu Schmerzen mit einer Zahnspange
Warum tut die Zahnspange manchmal weh?
Der Druck, der die Zähne bewegt, kann besonders nach dem Einsetzen oder Nachstellen ein Spannungs- oder Druckgefühl auslösen. Das ist in aller Regel harmlos und lässt meist nach wenigen Tagen nach. Übrigens: Auch wenn Sie kaum etwas spüren, wirkt die Behandlung – die Schmerzstärke sagt nichts über den Behandlungserfolg aus.
Wie kann ich die Schmerzen lindern?
Hilfreich sind weiche Kost in den ersten Tagen, Kühlung, ausreichend Wasser und bei Reibung etwas Schutzwachs auf den Brackets. Falls nötig, helfen kurzfristig leichte Schmerzmittel.
Wie lange halten die Beschwerden an?
Meist nur wenige Tage. Das Druckgefühl klingt in der Regel innerhalb von etwa 3 bis 5 Tagen deutlich ab, sobald sich der Mund an die Zahnspange gewöhnt hat.
Wann sollte ich meinen Kieferorthopäden aufsuchen?
Wenn Schmerzen sehr stark sind, ungewöhnlich lange anhalten oder ein Draht bzw. Bracket piekt, scheuert oder sich gelöst hat. Solche Stellen lassen sich meist schnell beheben – zögern Sie nicht, uns anzusprechen.
Wie vermeide ich Schmerzen von Anfang an?
Ganz vermeiden lässt sich das anfängliche Druckgefühl nicht – es gehört zur Zahnbewegung dazu. Sie können aber viel dafür tun, dass die Behandlung angenehm verläuft: gute Mundhygiene, sehr harte oder klebrige Speisen meiden, Aligner konsequent tragen und die Kontrolltermine einhalten. Bei drückenden Stellen helfen wir schnell weiter.
Dr. Julia Steinmaier
Specialist in orthodontics. Owner of JUST KFO Cologne, a sought-after speaker and author who regularly contributes to professional publications and the media.
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