Whether metal braces hurt or not depends on the doctor’s skills and the different physical conditions of each person. The nature of braces is to use traction to help teeth move to the correct position on the jaw, correcting dental defects and misaligned bites. Therefore, not only metal braces, but when performing any orthodontic method, pain is inevitable.
1. Types of metal braces
Metal braces are divided into the following types:
1.1. Conventional metal braces (traditional)
Conventional metal braces (traditional) use a system of archwires and brackets attached to the outer surface of the teeth to create a tightening force to help the teeth move to the desired position on the jaw. The archwire will be firmly fixed to the braces with specialized orthodontic elastic bands.
Although this elastic band has good elasticity, after a while it is very easy to loosen, causing the braces to slip off and at this time the customer needs to go to the dentist to have it adjusted.
1.2. Self-ligating metal braces
Self-ligating metal braces are improved to overcome the defect of traditional elastic bands that easily come loose. Instead of using elastic bands to fix, the archwire will now be installed in an automatic sliding groove integrated right on the braces. Thanks to that, the tightening force is created stably and continuously, and customers do not need to visit the clinic many times during the orthodontic process.
1.3. Lingual metal braces
It has the same structure as traditional metal braces, but the wire and bracket system will now be attached to the inside of the teeth, facing the tongue, instead of the outside of the tooth surface. This will overcome the aesthetic problem, the braces will not be exposed to the outside but will cause difficulty in eating and oral hygiene.
2. Advantages of metal braces
Metal braces have the following advantages:
2.1. Short treatment time
Metal braces can be used to correct buck teeth, underbite, misalignment, crooked teeth,… from simple to complex levels. Thanks to the orthodontic appliance fixed on the teeth, the tightening force will be created continuously and stably, improving the effectiveness of braces while shortening the treatment time compared to other methods.
The time to perform metal braces usually only lasts about 12 – 18 months and sometimes up to 20 months for complex teeth cases.
2.2. Sturdy and stable
Made from stainless steel alloy, metal braces provide firmness, are not easily broken or fractured during chewing. This creates favorable conditions for braces to take place faster and more safely.
2.3. Low price of metal braces
Compared with ceramic braces or clear braces, this is definitely the cheapest orthodontic method. That is why this is the solution for almost everyone who needs orthodontic treatment, especially students or office workers with low income.
3. Limitations of metal braces
With some of the above disadvantages, metal braces still have the following limitations:
3.1. Low aesthetics
Because the metal has a completely different color compared to the color of real tooth enamel, others can easily recognize that customers are wearing braces. This makes many people feel less confident and comfortable when communicating every day. To overcome this situation, customers can choose metal braces on the inside or learn about the Invisalign clear braces method.
3.2. Easy to cause irritation
For people with sensitive skin, they should consider when choosing metal braces because this material can cause irritation when present in the oral environment.
3.3. Difficulty in cleaning and eating
Food plaque is very easy to stick to the braces, especially the position of the orthodontic elastic band. Therefore, customers need to ensure thorough oral hygiene to completely remove food debris, avoiding creating conditions for bacteria to grow and develop, affecting oral health.
3.4. Need to visit the dentist regularly
Metal braces will be fixed to the tooth surface until the orthodontic process is completed and achieves the desired effect. Customers need to visit the dentist regularly for timely check-ups and adjustments if there are any deviations.
4. Do metal braces hurt?
The nature of metal braces is to use tightening force to straighten teeth to the correct position on the jaw to effectively correct misaligned bites, so it is completely normal for customers to feel pain. However, this feeling only lasts for the first few days and the customer will gradually feel more comfortable when they get used to the braces.
Throughout the braces process, there are still certain times when the customer will feel pain and discomfort:
4.1. When separating teeth
This is a necessary preparation step before attaching braces, this helps create space between teeth to help the teeth move when braces are attached. After separating teeth, customers may feel toothache, a little uncomfortable and even painful when chewing. However, this feeling will gradually disappear when wearing braces.
4.2. After attaching braces
During the first 1-2 weeks after attaching braces, the pulling force of the archwire may cause pain to the customer. Because the oral cavity has not yet adapted to the strange braces, it is understandable that the feeling of entanglement and discomfort when chewing and communicating occurs. However, the amount of pain depends on each person’s physical condition and constitution. Some people do not even experience this pain.
4.3. When extracting teeth to create space for tooth movement
If necessary, the doctor will prescribe tooth extraction to create enough space for the jaw to move. This is also the reason why many people worry about metal braces. However, this painful feeling is not really scary and is completely within the pain threshold of each person.
4.3. When adjusting the tightening force periodically
When you come back to the dentist for a check-up to check the movement of the teeth, the dentist will also adjust the tightening force of the arch wire so that the teeth move to the desired position. This will also cause the customer to feel a little pain.
5. What to do to limit pain during the braces process
During the braces process, customers can apply some of the following methods to limit the sensitivity and pain:
5.1. Apply ice
Use a towel to wrap ice and apply it to the outside of the cheek in the area where the teeth are sensitive. The cool feeling will immediately relieve the pain when you first wear braces or after each time you tighten your teeth.
5.2. Rinse your mouth with salt water
In some cases, if the oral cavity does not adapt to the braces, it can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and heat rash on the cheeks and gums in the beginning. To overcome this condition, customers can rinse their mouth regularly with diluted warm salt water to disinfect and reduce pain.
5.3. Proper oral hygiene
To avoid oral problems that arise during the braces process, oral care needs to be paid a lot of attention. Customers should combine the use of a regular toothbrush, interdental brush, dental floss and mouthwash when cleaning their teeth to ensure complete removal of food debris that can affect oral health.
5.4. Reasonable diet
Pay attention to only eating soft foods that do not require too much force when chewing, which is also a way to limit toothache when wearing braces. Foods that are too hard or too tough can easily affect the braces, which can affect the teeth and cause pain.
6. Notes when wearing metal braces
Before wearing metal braces, customers need to note the following:
6.1. Choosing the right type of braces
The pain phenomenon also depends a lot on the type of braces that the customer chooses. Depending on each person’s constitution as well as the specific condition of the teeth, the doctor will advise the appropriate type of braces to bring the highest orthodontic efficiency.
6.2. Choosing a reputable dental clinic
A team of highly skilled and professional doctors will help customers limit the pain during the orthodontic process while still ensuring the desired results in a short time.
So not only metal braces but any orthodontic method will bring a feeling of pain and discomfort in the beginning. To minimize the pain, customers should choose braces at a reputable dental clinic, fully equipped with equipment and technology to support doctors to help the orthodontic process take place more easily and quickly.
