April 8, 2026
Did you know that approximately four million people in the United States have braces? They are a very common treatment, and a great way to straighten teeth. Whether your teeth are gapped, crowded, crooked, or misaligned, wearing braces can move them into place and give you a beautiful, healthy smile. It takes a long time, though, and there may be some bumps along the way. They can be uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, and if you’re not careful, they can break. Fortunately, there are some proactive measures you can take to keep braces problems to a minimum.
Understanding Braces and Their Impact
Braces are made of metal brackets, wires, and bands, all working together to move the teeth into alignment. This takes a long time, and the teeth move slowly, but because of the constant pressure, there is sometimes tenderness, especially right after an adjustment. Additionally, the metal components of the braces can rub against the inside of the mouth, and this can cause irritation and soreness, particularly on the insides of the cheeks, but sometimes on the tongue, as well.
What to Do if Braces Hurt: Managing Pain and Discomfort
Most of the time, the pain and soreness caused by braces can be managed with over the counter medication. If the braces are rubbing against the inside of the mouth, putting dental wax over the offending bracket can help protect the soft parts of the mouth. You can also use an oral gel or rinse, to numb the area.
Preventing Breakage: What to Do About Loose Brackets or Braces Wire Poking Out
Braces are fairly sturdy, but in some cases, they can become loose or damaged. The risk of this is higher when they are not cared for properly, so braces should always be gently brushed and flossed. They can also be damaged by hard and sticky foods, so it’s important to be careful about what you eat when you have braces. Never chew on anything that isn’t food, like pens, pencils, and fingernails, because this can damage the braces. Sometimes, a wire will pop out of place, and poke into the inside of the mouth. If this happens, you can cover the sharp part with wax, or snip the wire very carefully with fingernail scissors, and see your orthodontist as soon as possible.
How to Care for Braces: Establishing a Daily Care Routine
Caring for your braces is much like caring for your teeth. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush at least two or three times a day, floss to get the debris that brushing misses, and rinse with a fluoride rinse to protect your enamel. The difference is that rather than flossing with dental floss, you will need to use a water flosser or a tool meant to work with braces.
Orthodontic Emergencies: When to Visit an Orthodontist
Most of the time, you can simply keep your regular orthodontist appointments. If you are in severe pain, however, you should see your orthodontist as soon as you can. Similarly, if your braces are broken in any way, it’s important to get to the orthodontist quickly.
For Braces in the Apollo Beach Area, Contact SouthShore Orthodontics
At SouthShore Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional service and excellent results in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Under the leadership of Dr Matt Ahrens, a Board Certified Orthodontist, our team offers treatment that is completely personalized to each patient, with a focus on making each patient’s experience enjoyable. Serving Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, and the surrounding areas, we welcome new patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation, or for more information about all our practice has to offer, contact us through our website.