4 million people have braces, and even more people are looking to get them to fix dental issues that they might be having. Before people get braces, they think, ‘does it hurt to get braces?’

While the answer shouldn’t stop you from getting the smile you want, it’s understandable that this is a fear you might have. Below we’re going to answer some of your questions and hopefully put you at ease if you’re in the process of getting braces.

Do I Need Braces?

There are several reasons that people choose to get braces. One reason could be a small child has all their baby teeth. Because they’ve got so many left, there’s no room for their permanent teeth to come in.

Another reason could be that someone has crooked teeth they would like to straighten using braces. If you’re still not convinced that braces are for you, know more here to help you make that final decision.

Does Getting Braces Put On Hurt?

Watching someone get braces might seem rather painful, but the process can be quite painless in actuality. Having braces isn’t painful, so much as it might be uncomfortable.

You’ve got to remember you’re not used to having brackets inserted in your mouth wrapped around your teeth. This will take some time to get used to and might alter how you speak and eat until you’re comfortable wearing the braces.

If you’re attending your appointment and begin to experience pain to the point where you can’t take it anymore, you need to alert your orthodontist immediately.

What’s the Wax For?

After you’ve had your braces put on, your orthodontist will walk you through the steps to care for them and provide you with some wax. The purpose of wax is to place it on your bracket whenever you’re feeling uncomfortable. Or if the braces are rubbing a sore spot within your mouth.

The wax will act as a barrier between that bracket and your gums to prevent further scratches and scrapes. All you need to do is pull off a wax piece and roll it into a ball.

Once you’ve done this, place the ball on the bracket or brackets that are causing you the most irritation.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

You can still eat a lot of your favorite foods, but there will be some your orthodontist suggests you stay away from. They’ll suggest you stay away from them because they can make it harder to clean your teeth.

In some cases, it could cause a bracket to come loose. Trust us; you’d much rather stay away from specific foods than spend every other day in your orthodontist’s office.

Does It Hurt to Get Braces?

Does it hurt to get braces? For some people, the answer is a resounding yes, but for most, it’s uncomfortable until you get used to having them on.

We recommend using the wax provided for you and not eating foods that could get stuck between your teeth and your braces.

If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to continue reading the others provided for readers like you in this section.