My braces hurt so bad I want to cry! Discover why braces cause pain and how to get quick relief with these effective tips.
Let me tell you: you’re not alone. If you recently acquired braces or had them changed and you find yourself thinking, “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry,” I get it. I’ve been there. I did cry, actually—I didn’t only wish to cry. Curled up in bed, wondering whether my teeth were being torn from my head, the first night I had on my braces. Dramatic? Maybe. But if you’re reading this, you most likely understand exactly what I mean.
Dealing with discomfort from braces can be debilitating, influencing even sleep and everyday meals. The good thing is that it gets better, though. And there are strategies to control the discomfort and somewhat ease the experience in the interim.
Article Breakdown
Why Do Braces Cause Such Sensitivity?
Braces gently press your teeth constantly to progressively bring them into the proper alignment. This pressure influences the tissue and bone surrounding your teeth, which could lead to pain. Usually, the discomfort is the worst in the first few days following braces or a tightening visit.
Some common reasons for braces pain include:
- Pressure from newly tightened wires
- Brackets or wires rubbing against your cheeks and lips
- Soreness in the jaw from your teeth shifting
Know that it’s common for you to find yourself thinking, “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry.” Let us now address how to manage it.
What Should I Do If Eating Feels Unnatural?
I recall being totally unable to bite at the dinner table, staring at a dish of my favorite cuisine. Too delicate to even touch, my teeth felt as though they floated in my gums. If this sounds familiar, relax: there is a path through it.
Stick to Soft Food
For the first few days, it’s best to eat foods that require little to no chewing. Some great options include:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
Steer clear of anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky; trust me: you want not to be picking bits of food out of your braces while teeth are aching.
If your present attitude is “my braces hurt so bad I want to cry,” then sticking to soft foods can help eating to be less of a struggle.
How To Sleep When Your Braces Are Killing You
It may seem impossible to sleep with braces on. I recall lying in bed and thinking my whole face was pulsing. I found the following to get me through those trying evenings:
Find Pain Relief Before Bed
The edge off can be taken with over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Take these roughly half an hour before bed so they begin to work by the time you get ready to turn in.
Make Use of Orthodontic Wax
Use orthodontic wax if wire or braces are cutting into your lips or cheeks. Just roll a tiny bit into a ball and apply it against the irritating spot.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Keeping your head slightly raised will help to minimize blood flow to your mouth, so helping to control throbbing pain.
If you’ve ever murmured to yourself, “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry,” while turning and sleeping, these techniques might help you at last get some rest.
Getting Through Braces’ First Few Days of Pain
The worst three to five days are spent here. I will not sugarcoat it; it will hurt. You can still make it though. Here is what worked for me:
- Go on a “soft food diet”: for a few days. Trust me, your teeth will thank you.
- Drink cold water or suck on ice cubes: to help numb the pain.
- Distract yourself: watch a movie, listen to music, or read a book.
- Remind yourself that this is temporary: soon, your teeth will adjust, and the pain will lessen.
Call your orthodontist if the suffering gets intolerable and lasts more than a week. Sometimes one needs to make a change. Should you find yourself repeating “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry” in your thoughts for days on end, it could be time to see your orthodontist.
Easy Solutions for Braces’ Uncomfort
Try these techniques if quick relief is needed:
- Use Ice Packs or Cold Compresses: Apply a cold compress to your cheeks for 10–15 minutes to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This can soothe irritated gums. Just mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse 2–3 times daily.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: These can increase discomfort and even damage your braces.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Follow dosage instructions, and consider taking them before your adjustment appointment to minimize pain.
- Apply Orthodontic Wax: It acts as a cushion between your braces and your cheeks or lips.
Should “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry” be your reality, these pointers should provide some comfort.
When Should One See Their Orthodontist?
Braces should cause discomfort but not intolerable suffering. See your orthodontist if you have extreme, consistent pain. They might have to change your braces to ease pressure or look for problems including loose wires or brackets.
At Mesa, Arizona, our clinic always reminds patients to be upfront about their discomfort. Your orthodontist is available to assist; never suffer in silence.
Key Takings:
- Though it’s difficult, braces pain is a minor cost for a dazzling smile. I will not lie; I have had times wondering whether it was worth it.
- Looking at my straight teeth today, years later, I can boldly declare that was indeed.So, if you are now in agony, inhale deeply.
- Experiment with some of the suggestions here. And keep in mind, you travel this road with others. We are right here, at every stage.
- Keep strong; before you realize it, a confident, gorgeous smile will replace the agony as a far-off memory.
- Remember: it’s temporary; you will get through it even if you have ever found yourself thinking, “My braces hurt so bad I want to cry.”
Additional Resources:
- Do Braces Hurt? Your Comprehensive Guide to Managing Orthodontic Pain: This guide provides at-home remedies such as using over-the-counter pain relievers, applying cold compresses, rinsing with saltwater, and using orthodontic wax to alleviate discomfort.
- Pain Relief for Braces: Tips for Swollen Gums & Sore Teeth by Orajel:Offers advice on proactively taking pain relievers, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, consuming soft foods, and using numbing gels for immediate relief.
- 9 Effective Tips on How to Relieve Braces Pain by Doyle Orthodontics: Suggests remedies like warm saltwater rinses, applying ice or cold items, using hot peppermint tea bags, and avoiding hard foods to minimize discomfort.
- 10 Tips for Braces Pain Relief by Overby Orthodontics: Recommends rubbing oral anesthetics like Orajel directly on sensitive areas, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and applying cold compresses to alleviate pain.
