Champion Dental Clinic
When undergoing braces treatment, the process of tightening the braces is a crucial part of the orthodontic adjustment. This ensures that the brackets exert the appropriate pressure on the teeth, facilitating their movement to the desired positions. However, the tightening process can cause some discomfort and occasional soreness. Let's delve deeper into this topic with Champion Dental Clinic.
Why is it necessary to tighten the braces during orthodontic treatment?
The main objective of braces treatment is to correct the misalignment of teeth within the dental arch. Tightening the braces is the optimal method to straighten crooked teeth and achieve a perfectly aligned dental arch.
Unlike many other cosmetic procedures that can be completed in a single session, braces treatment is a prolonged process that can last anywhere from 12 to 36 months, depending on the severity of tooth misalignment. Consequently, regular check-ups and monitoring are essential during this extended period to allow the orthodontist to adjust the braces according to the individual tooth movement patterns.
How often are braces tightened?
The time interval between braces tightening sessions during orthodontic treatment is determined based on each stage of the treatment, the orthodontist's recommendations, and the specific braces technique used. Typically, the time between braces tightening can be described as follows:
- Conventional braces: The time interval between braces tightening sessions is usually around 3-6 weeks.
- Self-ligating braces: The time interval between braces tightening sessions is typically around 1-2 months.
However, the specific timing for each braces tightening session still needs to be determined by the orthodontist based on your dental condition and the treatment plan. Adhering to the prescribed braces tightening schedule is crucial to achieve the best results throughout the braces treatment process.
The braces tightening procedure for simple braces at Champion Dental Clinic
The braces tightening process follows the following steps:
- Step 1: Inspection and removal of interarch elastics: The orthodontist will inspect and remove the highly elastic interarch elastics that are attached to the braces and connect the upper and lower teeth correspondingly. This step helps eliminate the pulling force exerted on the teeth.
- Step 2: Removal of the main archwire and braces tightening: After removing the interarch elastics, the orthodontist will take out the main archwire and proceed with the braces tightening. The braces tightening will apply tension to the teeth, facilitating their movement to the desired positions within the dental arch.
- Step 3: Reattachment of the archwire and interarch elastics (if necessary): After the braces tightening, the orthodontist will reattach the main archwire to the braces and may add interarch elastics to provide additional pulling force support. This process helps maintain the pressure and shape the teeth in their new positions.
Does braces tightening cause pain?
After braces tightening, most patients will experience a sense of soreness and discomfort. Some individuals may feel the archwire touching the cheek area, causing discomfort. In such cases, it is important for the patient to inform the dentist immediately for adjustment because if left unaddressed, the cheek area may be injured and cause further discomfort.
The feeling of soreness and discomfort typically appears around 3-5 days after braces tightening and will gradually diminish. This is a common phenomenon and does not require excessive worry. However, patients can explore some pain relief measures that can be done at home to alleviate discomfort during the orthodontic adjustment process.
>> See more: How to Clean Invisible Aligners?
Effective Ways to Reduce Pain when Wearing Braces
Below are some methods to effectively reduce pain when wearing braces that you can consider:
Cold Compress/Hot Compress
You can use a cold compress by applying a cold pack or a cold towel to the painful area outside the jaw for a few minutes. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing pain and discomfort. If you don't have a cold pack, you can also apply a hot compress by using a clean towel soaked in warm water and applying it around the cheek area for a few minutes. The heat can also reduce nerve stimulation and effectively alleviate pain.
Gum Massage
Use your fingers to gently massage the gums in a clockwise direction for about a minute, then massage in the opposite direction. This method helps improve blood circulation in the gums, thereby reducing pain caused by the tightness of the braces. However, perform the motion gently to avoid causing damage.
Saltwater Mouth Rinse
Dissolve a few salt grains in warm water and rinse your mouth with it 2-3 times a day. Saltwater rinses not only help kill bacteria in the mouth but also aid in reducing soreness after wearing braces.
Pain Relief Medication
In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend using pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the prescribed dosage to alleviate pain.
Dental Wax
Dental wax is a soft, moldable wax made from 40-60% paraffin and safe additives. After wearing braces, you can apply dental wax to the brackets to reduce friction between the cheeks, tongue, gums, and braces. This helps alleviate pain and soreness.
Eat Soft Foods
After wearing braces, it's advisable to choose soft and liquid foods such as porridge, soup, mashed potatoes, cheese, soft fruits, etc. This helps avoid exerting pressure on the teeth and reduces pain and discomfort.
Please note that these methods are only temporary for pain relief. If the pain does not improve or if there are any abnormal signs, please contact a dental doctor for advice and adjustment of the treatment method.
Champion Dental Clinic is one of the leading dental centers in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in orthodontic treatments, particularly in braces. Champion has made an impression by successfully treating hundreds of cases of braces with excellent results. When you decide to choose Champion Dental Clinic for your braces, rest assured that you will receive a detailed treatment plan from experienced doctors.
Contact Champion Dental Clinic now for consultation and to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
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中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
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