How Much Do Braces Hurt On A Scale 1-10?
Braces actually do not hurt during the initial placement. But after they are done being tightened or attached – a person can feel a weak soreness around the area for the first few days. After that, the pain goes away gradually over time.
However, one also needs to know that the pain level varies significantly from individual to individual.
Keep reading till the end to find out more information on how much do braces hurt on a scale 1-10!
Contents
Do Braces Hurt The Teeth?
When people get they get genuinely concerned about the areas of the face where the braces are going to make it hurt. Later in the article, I am going to discuss how much do braces hurt on a scale 1-10.
Well, the braces would not hurt the teeth at all until an ideal orthodontic force is applied to the teeth. The pain that one feels in the teeth after getting their braces placed is because of the chemical changes that occur in the gum tissue and bones surrounding the teeth area.
When the braces are tightened or activated, they provide a force to the teeth that put pressure on the supporting bones and tissues of the teeth, not necessarily on the teeth themselves.
Pain Scale At Different Levels Of The Process
Do note that the range of pain levels, as discussed below, might not be the same for everyone and may greatly vary from person to person.
During Placement
On a scale of 1-10, the pain level when getting the braces placed ranges from 0 – 0.5. When the orthodontist puts on the braces, one almost feels no discomfort or pain. Hence, it can be considered as a zero as well. While there are people who might find the instruments and the process uncomfortable and a bit hurting, so, getting braces can range from 0 – 0.5.
First Day After Placement
After a bit of time, the pain level starts to increase. The pain level can go up to 5 after about six hours have passed since getting the braces. After which, the intensity of pain increases, as time passes by. Later, the pain intensity can cross 8 and even reach 10 on that day. It hurts a lot during these hours – not going to sugarcoat it.
First 48 Hours After Placement
The first forty-eight hours after getting the braces tightened is only going to be worse for the individual. The pain level fluctuates between 8 and 10! During this time, the person starts feeling more pressure in their brace placement area as the chemical reaction starts working within the teeth and bones supporting tissue. Chewing or biting foods becomes very painful. People with very tender and sensitive teeth might need medications during this time.
After 2 Days
During the earlier mentioned stage, the pain was at its peak; hence it can only go down from there. Usually, from the 3rd day, the amount of pain starts reducing. On the third day, how much do braces hurt on a scale 1-10 – one can experience pain at a level of 7 to 9.
On this day, one may be required to take semi-solid foods. They may also experience ulceration or redness on their gums, tongue, and cheek as the braces hurt in some areas.
Tip: Try rinsing your mouth with a combination of salt mixed with lukewarm water to heal the affected areas.
After 3 Days
The pain level remains between levels 4-5 during this stage. People can start eating foods by chewing them without experiencing any problems. But they must still keep in mind that they need to take a soft diet during this time.
Tip: Do bottom braces hurt more? Well, they do not necessarily hurt more or less, but people may feel so because this is where the tongue rests. This leads to the tongue prodding the wires, which makes it hurt more.
After 7 days
After a week has passed, one wouldn’t feel any form of pain from wearing the braces as they get used to it. Though one can experience a mild form of discomfort from time to time. Hence the pain level though mostly gone still remains a bit (from a level of 0-1).
After Two to Three Weeks
After fourteen to twenty-one days have passed since getting the braces, one should not feel any discomfort or pain. Hence, the pain level remains at a level 0.
After Tightening Of Braces
Post brace tightening appointments, one can experience pain at levels of 8-10, especially when it is your appointment. It will remain for about two to three days as well.
After 2nd And Later Tightening Of Braces
The pain level at this stage may range from 2-7. Different people experience different levels of pain, but at this much later stage, it is only expected that the level of pain remains on the lesser side.
What To Do When Braces Hurt?
If your braces are hurting, and you want to make them stop, then here are a few tips that would be of much help to you:
- First, you need to find the root cause of hurting and remove it. Maybe the brace wires have popped out or come loose.
- If the pain persists after many days of getting your braces set, you should visit your orthodontist. They would be able to provide you with pain relief medication.
- You could also try eating cold beverages and foods as per your doctor’s advice.
- Try rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water to get rid of the hurting of your cheeks and gums.
- Applying an ice pack covered with cloth to the affected face area would help reduce the pain’s intensity.
- You need to remember to stay away from sugary and acidic drinks. They are known to make teeth sensitive.
Are Braces Known To Cause Pain When Removed?
Wondering how much do braces hurt when removed? Well, getting braces removed shouldn’t hurt anyone at all. The removal process is just the same as the first day – The orthodontist will take their instruments and then work on removing the brackets, other components, and wires. It is a very gentle process and does not hurt an individual.
The whole process of removing the braces might take an hour at max.
Tip: I have discussed how much do braces hurt on a scale 1-10 in the earlier section. If you haven’t read it then I suggest you go back and give it a read!
To Wrap It Up!
That was all for information regarding how much braces actually hurt on a scale of 1-10. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same.
More Resources:
- Best Practices for Healthy Teeth
- Signs to Know That Your Teeth Have Cavities
- Why Should You Consider Whitening Your Teeth?
