Metal Mouth Message Board

I got braces about 5 weeks ago. Everything went pretty normal (the initial pain and discomfort as everyone would experience, of course). However, today all of a sudden I started to notice very sharp pain in one of my teeth while having coffee (my first coffee since getting braces). The pain got even worse after that. Now that one tooth hurts badly when it comes to contact with water - even at regular temperature. I have a really hard time brushing my teeth and using mouthwash.

Has anyone ever experienced this? Will that sensitivity go away? Should I call up my orthodontist for a check up (my appointment won't be another 4 weeks from today)?

I'm only 5 days in my own self, and I have no idea how severe your discomfort is, but I'd probably try and ride it out till tomorrow at least and see if anything changes before you make an appointment. It's sunday anyway.

I actually had the opposite problem. I had really sensitive teeth before braces. When I got braces, my ortho gave me an electric toothbrush. It was hard to use at first on those sensitive spots, but I pushed through and now, 5 months into it, I have to say my teeth are not nearly as sensitive anymore. I think using that toothbrush, along with all the flossing has really helped.

Of course, your teeth will be really sore for the first couple weeks after you get the braces on, that is pretty normal. But if it persists, I would check with your ortho or dentist.

Your teeth will be sensitive on and off throughout the entire treatment. It is quite common considering your teeth/roots are being moved. I would call the orthodontist if things are so bothersome that you can't function normally.

Occasionally, I have a tooth here or there that will hurt for a day or two, then stop. Then it is onto the next tooth. More often I do not have any tooth sensitivity at all.

Welcome to the world of braces! My teeth take turns with the soreness and zingers. Sometimes I'll go for weeks without anything at all and then BOOM...something will start throbbing for no reason whatsoever. Give it time, it'll pass only to be replaced by another tooth doing the same thing.

I had the same thing happen right around 5.5 weeks (to a banded molar and 2nd bicuspid). I told my ortho about it at my 6 wk adjustment and she decided not to attach the wire to my molar that was having pain and sensitivity to see if movement and pressure was the issue. I could feel almost immediate relief when the wire was removed and all pain/sensitivity was gone within 2 days. She noted that sensitivity could be a sign of an infection and stressed how important it was to contact her if I was still experiencing symptoms. I would suggest getting in touch w/ your othro if you haven't yet.

Good luck!

mims wrote:I got braces about 5 weeks ago. Everything went pretty normal (the initial pain and discomfort as everyone would experience, of course). However, today all of a sudden I started to notice very sharp pain in one of my teeth while having coffee (my first coffee since getting braces). The pain got even worse after that. Now that one tooth hurts badly when it comes to contact with water - even at regular temperature. I have a really hard time brushing my teeth and using mouthwash.

Has anyone ever experienced this? Will that sensitivity go away? Should I call up my orthodontist for a check up (my appointment won't be another 4 weeks from today)?

Pain I can understand, but sensitivity is a bit weird. I had never had any problem with sensitivity before. But now that one particular tooth is sensitive to liquid AND temperature (if I open my mouth in an air conditioning area, that tooth hurts) .. not to mention I felt sharp pain in that tooth when eating cheesecake just now :(

I too have facing the same thing. I got mine on about 6 weeks ago. However, I can tell the difference from the first week, and it is lessening. This is the second time at this, but this is definitely worse than the first time!

I agree with Snowglobe. There is a difference between the aching pain of the pressure when you first get them on and sensitivity. I have found that sometimes I have a real sensitivity and it does hurt to brush but the pain usually subsides in a few days to a week. Then another tooth will feel sensitive. But the pain does usually subside. I think it is because of the movement of the teeth and the gums exposing more of the tooth.

yup...I have had this on and off and freaked out...but now I know it just goes away after a few days...BUT if you are concerned, go in and tell your ortho...I did, they told me I was fine, about 5 times before I figured it was normal...had these things more than a year now (I noticed sensitivity after I got new brackets on especially...)

Thanks y'all! Well, the sensitivity gradually subsides. This truly is a long and painful journey ..

hi mims,
i can totally relate to your post. I had almost the exact same experience not that long ago. One day out of the blue, as I was drinking a glass of water, a sharp pain from one of my teeth, the pain shot right up to my nose!! It hurt to use mouthwash, hot/cold/room temp hurt--it even hurt when my ortho blew air around the tooth!!!! This pain continued for several days and luckily, my check up was just around the corner so I asked about it. My ortho said that the tooth is not adjusting to the bracket very well (and he could do something to the tooth, i forget what-sorry) but it would be best for my treatment for me to leave it alone and if the pain is not too bad, just ride it out. Well, I did and within a few days all was back to normal. Thank Goodness, soreness I can handle, but severe sensitivity is bad!!

Sounds about right. Mine always happened moreso right after I had a wire change and my teeth were moving, but it was bad. And I noticed it the most when I would brush, the pain shot right through into my nerve. It does go away, and is not always like that. Good luck.

I've had my braces for 1 week 2 days. I was shocked at the sensitivity but its only the teeth in front (top/bottom) does any one have any suggestions. Is it just the newness of the braces?. I tried to use warm salt water but it isn't helping. Its not pain just sensitivity. This is the 2nd time I've had to wear braces and this didn't happen the first time.