Do the Damon System braces hurt while getting them on?
I had Damon system braces. All braces hurt, but the Damon system braces are more gentle because the wires are held in place with a “sliding” mechanism. See more at http://www.damonbraces.com/q02.php Braces are generally adjusted or tightened at monthly visits. Braces hurt because with each tightening, the root system of the teeth are “broken”, allowing the teeth to move into the proper alignment. The teeth become loose and the area around the root becomes inflamed for 2-3 days, then the inflammation resolves and the gums tighten around the root again. At least until the next tightening. To decrease the immediate discomfort of the monthly tightening, you may want to consider taking ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) 30 minutes before each tightening. (Tylenol won’t work; it isn’t an anti-inflammatory). Ask your orthodontist about dental wax. These are strips which are held under warm water and applied to the brac
