Worried About Orthodontic Pain? The Most Painful Moments During Orthodontic Treatment: Top 7 Pain Ranking

When is the most painful moment during orthodontic treatment? – Top 7 Pain Ranking

Hello, I’m Dr. Park Yeol, Director of Doctor Prime Dental Clinic.

Among those planning orthodontic treatment, many worry, “I heard braces are painful...”.

In fact, there are various kinds of pain during orthodontic treatment. The degree and duration differ from person to person, but in almost all cases, they can be managed well.

Today, I’ll explain the pain that can be felt during orthodontic treatment, organized by rank.

(※ There are individual differences, so please use this only as a reference.)

7th place. Elastic pain during orthodontic treatment – almost none

These are the small removable elastics used during orthodontic treatment.

The pain caused by these elastics is usually very mild or barely noticeable.

However, if you wear them on and off, they may hurt. If the pain is severe even though you are following instructions consistently, please contact the dental clinic.

6th place. Pain from tightening the wire – a firm squeezing pressure

The pain felt when the wire is tightened is closer to a squeezing pressure than a toothache.

After a clinic visit, you may feel uncomfortable for a day or two right after tightening, but after that the pain goes away.

Mini-screws, which are placed into the gums during orthodontic treatment, are inserted under anesthesia, so there is almost no pain during the procedure.

The problem comes after the anesthesia wears off, but taking painkillers two or three times usually makes the pain go away.

However, if the pain gradually gets worse or lasts for a long time, the screw may not be firmly fixed or may have become loose, so be sure to contact the clinic!

4th place. Pain from extraction for orthodontic treatment – sensitivity and discomfort

Extractions are also performed after anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure.

However, as the anesthesia wears off, there may be some pain, and the teeth around the extraction site may feel sensitive to cold water, which can continue to cause discomfort.

3rd place. Interproximal reduction pain – brief but sensitive

When there is not enough space to align the teeth, this is a procedure in which the area between the teeth is lightly filed with a dental strip or similar tool to create space.

There is a brief sensation of vibration and slight discomfort, but it usually ends quickly in about 10 to 15 seconds.

2nd place. Separation pain – lasts about two days

This is the process of inserting small blue rubber rings between the molars to create space so that bands can be placed on the molars.

As the teeth are separated for 1 to 2 days, a heavy pain may occur, but after that it gets better.

1st place. Pain immediately after braces are attached – the overwhelming number one

This is the stage that most patients say is “really painful.”

When braces are first attached, the root ends of the teeth are slightly irritated, causing swelling and pressure-like pain.

For 2 to 3 days, some people even have difficulty chewing food and can barely eat porridge.

However, once you get past this period, the pain usually subsides and you gradually adapt.

Pain during orthodontic treatment can be uncomfortable, but in most cases it is temporary and manageable.

Most importantly, it is essential to choose a clinic that handles pain management and patient care well.

If you receive treatment under an accurate diagnosis and a systematic plan, you can get through the orthodontic process without worry.

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