Minor discomfort is normal, but more intense pain may signal a problem. Rest assured, though, that the discomfort is normal and it means your braces are working.
The thing is, soreness after routine appointments is actually a sign that your braces are working. The new wires guide your teeth into their planned positions, gradually working toward a straight smile. Each patient experiences the post-tightening soreness a little differently – and some don't even notice discomfort.
Every orthodontic patient wonders about this question within the first two weeks of fitting the appliance, “if my braces do not hurt, are they still working?” To answer in short, if your teeth are hurting a little or there is some amount of discomfort, then for sure the braces are doing their work.
After five days to a week, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone or much improved. The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier.
As for when you start wearing rubber bands for braces, our patients usually start wearing elastic bands 4-6 months into their treatment plan.
Finishing elastics are little rubber bands that hook to the metal brackets. They usually zigzag on the outside in between the teeth and connect onto the braces. They help close the bite together and put on the last finishing touches to perfect teeth.
Do Bottom Braces Hurt More? Many people will find that their bottom braces hurt more, because this is where the tongue is likely to poke or prod your braces and feel uncomfortable. Moving the jaw while talking and chewing is another way that bottom braces might cause a bit more discomfort.
First and foremost, it's because they're new, so your mouth isn't used to the pressure yet. Depending on how the braces are installed, the configuration may make it difficult to bite down the way you have before. The usual places your teeth meet when chewing may differ under these new circumstances.
Braces are applying constant pressure, but your teeth will not move everyday. You may notice your teeth are sore for a few days after an adjustment, while your teeth get used to the new pressure. The rest of the time before the next appointment, the braces are holding your teeth in the desired position.
You should expect to notice minor shifts in your teeth approximately 4 weeks from after bonding. Greater shifts that are more visible require more time as they become noticeable after approximately 2-3 months. The short answer to the question of whether braces move your teeth everyday is yes.
Although teeth are strong, as gum tissue, ligaments and bone start to weaken, teeth can shift more easily. Bottom teeth tend to shift earlier than your top teeth do. As your lower teeth shift, they hit your upper front teeth when you're chewing, which can wear away enamel and cause top teeth to push forward.
The shortest amount of time to have your braces is 12-24 months. Braces, on the other hand, take a different amount of time-based on the patient and their dental demands. Because every person's teeth, mouth, and gums are different, the treatment time will vary.
Many patients think that their wires need to be changed at every visit. This is usually not true. With the wide assortment of wires these days, your orthodontist may only need to use three to five sets of wires during treatment. More wires may be needed for complicated cases.
However far-fetched it seems, loose or moving teeth are absolutely normal for those in braces, and often the entire point of having them in the first place. Braces are applied to keep shifting teeth in place, straighten out a crooked smile, or correct bite issues.
Braces often cause mild discomfort or aches as a side effect. However, the patient should only feel it immediately after your orthodontist adjusts or tightens the braces. The soreness hardly ever lasts more than a week and usually goes away after four days.
Typically, the lateral incisors or the teeth next to your front teeth are the most challenging to move with Invisalign aligners and traditional braces.
PROPER JAW POSTURE
The teeth should not touch ever – except when swallowing. This comes as a big surprise to most people. When not chewing or swallowing, the tip of the tongue should rest gently on the tip and back of the lower incisors.
In general, you can expect to see some noticeable movement from around two months into the treatment. Some people notice it much sooner, and it could be as little as four weeks after you start wearing your aligners.
Some people wonder if the shape of their face will change with teeth braces, and the short answer is yes — this is true. Your body will react to how braces are shifting your teeth into their corrected positions, therefore, your face shape is also likely to change.
Some orthodontists choose to only bond braces on the upper arch for the first few months. This is because of certain bite situations – like a deep, tight bite that doesn't allow room for bottom braces. When the upper incisors are tilted inward, it's better to correct them before adding lower braces.
How Fast Do Elastics Move Teeth? Just like the braces and wires themselves, it takes time for teeth to move. You don't want them to move too fast because it could damage the roots. That being said, it usually takes about five to eight months for the additional pressure from elastic bands to shift teeth into alignment.
Orthodontic wires are only active for 6-10 weeks depending on the wire. Thus, missing appointments may set you behind schedule to get your braces off.
Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces
No ligatures (rubber bands) make braces less bulky, which may be more comfortable. Self-ligating brackets have a smoother surface than conventional ones, which makes them less irritating to the mouth. No ligatures in place make brushing and flossing easier and more effective.