Metal Braces El Segundo, CA

Are Braces Painful?

You might notice some gum and tooth soreness during the first day or two after your initial appointment and after each adjustment.

If your teeth are tender, stick to soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, soup, ice cream) to avoid exacerbating your symptoms. Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation. And if you’re medically cleared to do so, take some over-the-counter painkillers if necessary.

Are Braces Necessary or Cosmetic?

While correcting malocclusion is the goal of braces, the purpose is not simply cosmetic. The aesthetics are like the icing on the cake.

• Teeth: Misaligned teeth do not allow equal force distribution when you chew, clench, or grind your teeth. Eventually, the teeth that take undue pressure will break down and crack and even break. And since crooked and crowded teeth aren’t easy to keep clean, you are at a higher risk of developing dental decay without orthodontic treatment.
• Gums: If you can’t clean your teeth well, you can end up with periodontal disease – the leading cause of tooth loss.
• Jaw joint: Jaw and/or tooth misalignment can result in a painful condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The disorder can cause chronic headaches and migraines, facial pain, and difficulty chewing and opening your mouth. You might even think you have earaches, but this disorder is actually causing the pain.