This six-part article series answers questions about four dental procedures that carry a reputation for being the most traumatic and painful: tooth extractions, root canals, orthodontic braces and dental implants.

Welcome back to our six-part article series on the four dental procedures with the worst reputation for causing pain and discomfort. As we have already discussed, the reputations of many dental procedures, such as dental implants and tooth extractions, do not always share a linear relationship with reality. Most of the time, they are gravely misunderstood, explain dentists in Colorado Springs. You don’t hear people complaining about how much discomfort they’re in when they undergo heart surgery, or how painful it is to receive a kidney transplant! That’s because these surgeries are necessary and often life-saving. People are too fixated on being grateful for being alive and healthier to complain about pain.

One doesn’t tend to think of a tooth extraction or a root canal as life-saving, but they can be tooth saving! That unfortunately doesn’t stop people from spreading embellished horror stories about the pain a root canal leaves them in. Remember, urge dentists in Colorado Springs, your teeth are irreplaceable assets. Removing a severely decayed tooth can prevent other teeth from succumbing to infection, thus minimizing the damage done to your oral health. A timely root canal procedure can save a gravely infected tooth from hitching a ride on the porcelain express. Sometimes, say dentists in Colorado Springs, a little bit of discomfort goes a long way to save your smile.

So, what about orthodontic braces? How do they save your teeth? Why are they sometimes essential?

Dentists in Colorado Springs: Answering Your FAQ on Orthodontic Braces

Anyone who has ever had to wear orthodontic braces will regale you with stories of sheer terror when the reality of it is that braces become a way of life. You adapt to the feeling of having metal brackets on your teeth and you move on with your day-to-day responsibilities. Sure, there are moments when you can feel exasperated with their appearance or with the ease with which your braces accumulate popcorn kernels. Braces aren’t hugely comfortable and, at times, they can actually be quite painful, say dentists in Colorado Springs. But tens of thousands of kids (and adults) have them placed every year so that they will grow up with straight teeth, a more beautiful smile, unimpeded breathing, and a healthier, more aligned bite. They all survive and so will you.

FAQ: What are orthodontic braces?

Dentists in Colorado Springs Answer: Orthodontic braces essentially consist of an arch wire that is threaded through the brackets of braces that are cemented onto each of your teeth. It is the archwire that – when tightened – applies pressure to your teeth, compelling them to move gradually. These new positions now only allow for less crowding and crookedness, they also promote a better bite, explain dentists in Colorado Springs.

FAQ: Does it hurt to have braces put on?

Dentists in Colorado Springs Answer: The procedure doesn’t hurt. It’s when your teeth begin to move out of their original positions that they can feel very sensitive and painful. This generally starts an hour or more after you have had braces placed or tightened, say dentists in Colorado Springs. It then wanes again after a week or so. Every patient has a different experience, say dentists in Colorado Springs. Some feel as though they’ve stopped a runaway train with their teeth; others are easily able to ignore the discomfort. There are anesthetic gels you can rub into particularly sore gums. If the pain ever gets too much, pop a painkiller.

FAQ: My friend said her braces cut up her cheeks and it was really sore. Can they really do that?

Dentists in Colorado Springs Answer: The brackets cemented to your teeth have edges that can – by rubbing against the soft tissue – cause ulcers to develop on the inner lining of your cheeks. These sores are transient and heal pretty fast. You can buy dental wax to press into the brackets, which helps to dull the edges. By preventing the brackets from rubbing against the sores, it gives them a chance to heal, explain dentists in Colorado Springs. While this is pesky and can make eating uncomfortable, you will get used to your braces. Remember: it’s not for forever!

Dentists in Colorado Springs: Stay Tuned!

To read more about the third of the ferocious four – root canal therapy – stay tuned for the fourth installment of this six-part article series, courtesy of dentists in Colorado Springs.