If you are in the process of considering getting braces or having your teenager get braces, there is a big decision to be made. Should you go with traditional metal braces or with Invisalign? There are some significant differences between these two orthodontic teeth straightening methods.

In this week’s blog from Newton Centre Family Orthodontics, we will cover the issue of pain with regards to both metal braces and Invisalign.

The Pain of Metal Braces

The pain of metal braces is well-documented, and it is not hard to find anecdotal evidence of the suffering that these devices bring. If you go looking for information on the level of pain, you can expect with metal braces, you’ll find that they can be excruciating. The first week to 10 days of having braces will bring facial and jaw pain that may lead to tears rolling, loss of sleep, and pondering if the orthodontist is a masochist.

You will need ibuprofen, bags of peas, ice, soft food, and as much compassion as those around you can muster. This pain will revisit you after every tightening of the wire. You will also likely experience sores on the inside of your cheeks from the metal rubbing on this soft flesh.

The Pain of Invisalign

Invisalign is significantly less painful than metal braces. Most people report discomfort for the first few days of wearing the trays and some tenderness, but when compared to the agony of metal braces, Invisalign wins by being less painful. One of the pains of braces comes with eating. Because you remove Invisalign for meals, you can eat many more foods from the first day forward. Additionally, with Invisalign, you will not experience painful sores on the inside of your cheeks from the sharp metal cutting you.

If you have any more questions about Invisalign, contact Newton Centre Family Orthodontics.