Do braces hurt?

The simple, honest answer to this question is – a little bit – but not as much as you might think.  The same is true for Invisalign or any other appliance that moves your teeth to a new position in your smile. Any discomfort experienced while wearing braces I like to compare to someone who has not exercised in a while and then goes for a jog one morning.  The next day this person is going to be a little achy but with a level of discomfort that is manageable and will quickly go away.

Braces have come a long way in the last twenty years.  It was not very long ago that nearly all the wires used to straighten teeth as part of orthodontic treatment were made out of steel – a very stiff, unforgiving metal that was effective but not very gentle.  Most orthodontists now begin treatment using a newer metal that is a titanium alloy.  These soft “memory” wires can be deformed (to fit into braces on crooked teeth) and return to their original shape (to straighten them) using a very small, gentle force that is perfect for straightening teeth. Invisalign® is also a great option and “kind” to the patient because it is made up of a series of aligners that will move the teeth on average only 0.25 millimeters over a two-week period – a very small, gradual movement for that time interval.

Modern orthodontic treatment is gentle, comfortable and a worthwhile investment in YOU! Please don’t let any concerns about how treatment will feel prevent you from achieving the smile you want and deserve. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has had braces once as a child and again as an adult, (I didn’t wear my retainer!) I can tell you it is definitely worth it. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with Budd Orthodontics.