Yes, braces can hurt your lips.
While braces are working to straighten your teeth, it's common to experience some discomfort, including soreness in your lips. The brackets and wires of the braces can sometimes press against the soft tissues of your mouth, which can cause pain and irritation. This pressure is what causes the discomfort in your lips, and also possibly your cheeks.
Here's a breakdown of why braces might hurt your lips:
- Direct Contact: The brackets and wires of braces are in direct contact with your lips. This can cause friction and pressure, especially when you talk, eat, or move your mouth.
- Irritation: The soft tissues of your lips are sensitive. Constant rubbing or pressure from the braces can cause irritation, making your lips feel sore or tender.
- Initial Adjustment: When you first get your braces or after an adjustment, the pressure on your teeth will be more intense which can cause pain and discomfort in the surrounding tissues, including your lips.
- Temporary: Fortunately, the discomfort is usually temporary. Your mouth will gradually adjust to the braces and the pain will subside.
While you get used to your braces, here are some things to help relieve the pain:
- Orthodontic Wax: Applying orthodontic wax over the brackets and wires that are causing irritation can help reduce the friction.
- Saltwater Rinses: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe sore tissues.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your doctor.
- Soft Foods: For the first few days after getting your braces or an adjustment, eat soft foods that are easier to chew.
In summary, braces can indeed cause discomfort in your lips due to direct contact with the hardware. However, there are ways to manage the pain until your mouth adjusts.
