Brace pain can seem unbearable, but the initial aches and pains of having braces should diminish once you get used to wearing your appliance. All braces can cause some discomfort as they are putting pressure on your teeth. So, are lingual braces are as painful as you may think?
What’s the difference between traditional braces and Lingual braces?
Traditional braces are the most common type of appliance available to both children and adults and are fixed on the fronts of your teeth. As they are metal they are clearly visible to everyone.
Lingual braces, on the other hand, are completely hidden! They are like traditional braces but instead of having them on the front of your teeth, they are placed on the backs and are custom-made from gold. They work in exactly the same way as metal braces but are great for people who are worried that the aesthetics of braces will ruin their look.
Will Lingual braces be painful?
Lingual braces shouldn’t be any more painful than any other type of brace. When your orthodontist first fits your lingual braces you will, of course, feel some discomfort. Your teeth have never had anything pressing on them before, so it’s natural to feel this way. If the initial discomfort lasts longer than the first week, we advise you to contact us to make sure there are no problems with the brace.
What can I do to relieve this discomfort?
There are a few ways that you can relieve discomfort caused by your lingual braces.
Cold drinks
Ice water and cold drinks can help soothe the discomfort caused by your brace by numbing the area. The numb sensation is caused when cold temperatures slow blood flow to the area of pain. Cold also helps reduce any swelling or inflammation that may have been caused by your lingual braces.
As well as cold drinks, patients find that eating a bowl of soft ice cream also helps soothe the discomfort while providing a tasty treat.
Over-the-counter pain relief
At most pharmacies, you can buy a local anaesthetic numbing gel that can be applied to the inside of your mouth to relieve the discomfort. Patients choose this so that they can sleep without being kept awake.
Change toothpaste
Sometimes it's not just the braces that are causing you discomfort but brushing your teeth. Whilst wearing lingual braces, your teeth are already under pressure, so brushing them with an abrasive toothpaste won’t help. Sensitive toothpaste is a lot softer than regular kinds.
Take care when you are brushing your teeth as this could bring some damage to your braces. If you do encounter a problem during your lingual brace treatment then you should contact us so we can arrange an emergency appointment for you to have it fixed.