Hi,
I have just recently had my braces fitted, two weeks ago, and I already want to have them removed. I am in extreme pain and have been signed off work on sick. I am getting immense facial pain , in my cheeks down the side of my nose and also extreme tension headaches. I am sufferer of headaches anyway and now I'm wondering if I have made everything a whole lot worse. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this and if the pain resolved as at the moment I feel like I can't go on !
Facial Pain
Moderator: bbsadmin
Re: Facial Pain
Wow, I am sorry you are having so much pain. I got my uppers put on 8 days ago and I forget I have them until I eat or speak. Maybe my lowers will be worse. Regardless, your experience doesn't seem normal, and I hope your pain subsides quickly.
Uppers: Ceramic Damons, braced 1-31-12
Lowers: Metal, braced 5-31-12
Lowers: Metal, braced 5-31-12
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Beaniebean
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:11 am
Re: Facial Pain
No I don't think this is normal ! Thanks for your reply !
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ArchWired28
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 10:44 am
- Location: Tampa, FL, USA
Re: Facial Pain
Beaniebean
I am sorry you are in pain. I think you definitely need to let your ortho know. They may do some x-rays to see if this is something to worry about or not. This being said, my guess would be that this pain will probably subside. Have you tried self-care like Advil, heat/cold pads, muscle relaxers?
I have had TMJ pain flare up about 2-3 weeks after I had my upper brace fitted. I came up to their office Monday morning crying in the extreme pain and ear/eye pressure. They looked at my x-rays, examined my mouth and said that there seems to be no dental reason for my pain. They said that the only thing they could do to help me is have the brace removed, which I obviously did not want. The pain gradually subsided within the next 2-3 weeks. Now, I am glad that I decided to continue braces.
I am sorry you are in pain. I think you definitely need to let your ortho know. They may do some x-rays to see if this is something to worry about or not. This being said, my guess would be that this pain will probably subside. Have you tried self-care like Advil, heat/cold pads, muscle relaxers?
I have had TMJ pain flare up about 2-3 weeks after I had my upper brace fitted. I came up to their office Monday morning crying in the extreme pain and ear/eye pressure. They looked at my x-rays, examined my mouth and said that there seems to be no dental reason for my pain. They said that the only thing they could do to help me is have the brace removed, which I obviously did not want. The pain gradually subsided within the next 2-3 weeks. Now, I am glad that I decided to continue braces.
Had full mouth metal braces for 21 months. Debonded April 2013. Now wearing clear plastic retainers every other night.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
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vincent168
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:35 pm
Re: Facial Pain
OhArchWired28 wrote:Beaniebean
I am sorry you are in pain. I think you definitely need to let your ortho know. They may do some x-rays to see if this is something to worry about or not. This being said, my guess would be that this pain will probably subside. Have you tried self-care like Advil, heat/cold pads, muscle relaxers?
I have had TMJ pain flare up about 2-3 weeks after I had my upper brace fitted. I came up to their office Monday morning crying in the extreme pain and ear/eye pressure. They looked at my x-rays, examined my mouth and said that there seems to be no dental reason for my pain. They said that the only thing they could do to help me is have the brace removed, which I obviously did not want. The pain gradually subsided within the next 2-3 weeks. Now, I am glad that I decided to continue braces.
I didn't even have my braces fitted yet but getting them in soon. Not looking forward to it anymore...
I hear people say the spacers are the worst part of it all. Are the braces meant to be worse??
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ArchWired28
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 10:44 am
- Location: Tampa, FL, USA
Re: Facial Pain
This all depends. Many people don't get any TMJ/muscle/facial pain with braces at all. Those are the lucky ones ha-ha 
Spacers hurt however this is a very different kind of pain, at least it was in my case. And yes, in my case the TMJ pain was waaay worse. But don't be scared. As I said, many people get away with the minimal joint/muscle tension or no TMJ discomfort at all. There is really no way to know ahead of time, unless you have a history of TMJ pain; in that case, your risk of having a flare up with braces is higher. Otherwise, not to worry. Braces change the way our teeth come together and there is a direct connection between the teeth and TMJ, so... There is always risk...
Spacers hurt however this is a very different kind of pain, at least it was in my case. And yes, in my case the TMJ pain was waaay worse. But don't be scared. As I said, many people get away with the minimal joint/muscle tension or no TMJ discomfort at all. There is really no way to know ahead of time, unless you have a history of TMJ pain; in that case, your risk of having a flare up with braces is higher. Otherwise, not to worry. Braces change the way our teeth come together and there is a direct connection between the teeth and TMJ, so... There is always risk...Had full mouth metal braces for 21 months. Debonded April 2013. Now wearing clear plastic retainers every other night.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
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vincent168
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:35 pm
Re: Facial Pain
Hmm ok. What are the other complications that arise with braces?
I think the common ones are getting ulcers due to the wires scratching your mouth and bacteria infecting the wound and pain due to the pressure. I need to be prepared since I'm leaving for a trip very soon after I get them on.
I think the common ones are getting ulcers due to the wires scratching your mouth and bacteria infecting the wound and pain due to the pressure. I need to be prepared since I'm leaving for a trip very soon after I get them on.
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Beaniebean
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:11 am
Re: Facial Pain
Thanks for your post Archwire, it is of some comfort to know that others have been through what I am going through and have come out the other side. I'm not sure whether I can carry on though for the sake of vanity. I have never felt this close to the edge ! I do have a history of chronic headaches and have been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome so really was stupid of me to get these done . Vincent, from my understanding most people don't suffer like this so as Archwire says unless you have a history then you should be ok. I am pretty sure I am going to get mine taken out otherwise i reckon I'm going to loose a lot more than my cash !
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ArchWired28
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 10:44 am
- Location: Tampa, FL, USA
Re: Facial Pain
Beaniebean
I have history of headaches too... Believe me, I feel your pain!
Try to hold on for a little bit longer, I would say for a month. There's a good chance it will subside within a month. I don't know what wire you have, but maybe your ortho can change it to the softest (the least amount of force) wire for now, until your body gets adjusted. Maybe ask them to not band the molars for some time. I feel you just need to proceed slowly as your muscles and joints get used to the pressure. Have you tried Advil or Flexeril? Those helped me, at least I could sleep at night. Good luck!
I have history of headaches too... Believe me, I feel your pain!
Try to hold on for a little bit longer, I would say for a month. There's a good chance it will subside within a month. I don't know what wire you have, but maybe your ortho can change it to the softest (the least amount of force) wire for now, until your body gets adjusted. Maybe ask them to not band the molars for some time. I feel you just need to proceed slowly as your muscles and joints get used to the pressure. Have you tried Advil or Flexeril? Those helped me, at least I could sleep at night. Good luck!Had full mouth metal braces for 21 months. Debonded April 2013. Now wearing clear plastic retainers every other night.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
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ArchWired28
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 10:44 am
- Location: Tampa, FL, USA
Re: Facial Pain
In a nutshell, dental pain and pressure, TMJ pain, facial muscle pain/pressure, difficulty opening your mouth wide (again, due to TMJ), mouth and tongue ulcers, dry lips, problems with salivation (both ways)... None of this should be permanent though... I hope notvincent168 wrote:Hmm ok. What are the other complications that arise with braces?
Had full mouth metal braces for 21 months. Debonded April 2013. Now wearing clear plastic retainers every other night.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
I have no formal dental or orthodontic education. Hence, all opinions expressed by me on this forum are those of an "informed consumer" and by no means intended as an expert advice.
Re: Facial Pain
Sorry to hear of your pain. At my second adjustment my ortho told me I definately have some TMJ issues. Then add to that the braces, an already horrible bite, some headaches and it all adds up to significant facial pain. Mine is only on one side but radiates to my ear, eye and all along the upper jaw. I had my 4th adjustment Feb. 2 and also got new, heavier wires top and bottom. I had about a week of such bad facial pain I felt like I was doing through those first days of braces all over again. My bite is different (again!) and was just killing me. Thankfully, the pain is getting better but still not great. A heat compress helps... at least it feels good for awhile!
I´d recommend to try to hang in there, take painkillers and fight through it. I forgot to mention that I´ve had a root canal on that upper side too which still doesn´t feel right so perhaps just the combo of it all causes the pain. As someone else mentioned, I had my dentist check and there´s no other dental issue. It was such an emotional investment (and monetary) to get braced that I won´t even consider removing then until the end.
Keep us informed.
Sue
I´d recommend to try to hang in there, take painkillers and fight through it. I forgot to mention that I´ve had a root canal on that upper side too which still doesn´t feel right so perhaps just the combo of it all causes the pain. As someone else mentioned, I had my dentist check and there´s no other dental issue. It was such an emotional investment (and monetary) to get braced that I won´t even consider removing then until the end.
Keep us informed.
Sue
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Beaniebean
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:11 am
Re: Facial Pain
Thanks Archwire for your post again and thanks Sue for yours also. Well I have managed to hang in on there for another few days and I am starting to feel like I might be able to handle it. I must admit coming on this forum has encouraged me to stick it out ! I have been taking pain killers and using heat compresses and do find they give me some relief. Fortunately I have got a couple of weeks of work so I'm hoping the pain will calm enough for me to handle working ! It doesn't help that I have started a new relationship and trying to act like I'm a fun person is pretty tough going when all I really want to do is cry my eyes out !
Anyway I went to see my Chiropracter on Saturday and he was absolutely amazing. He said it was quite common for somebody like myself to end up with these problems and he reassured me that it will settle. He did loads of cranial work and a lot of trigger point therapy that has really eased the situation. Instead on a 10 out of 10 pain level I am now down to a 6 which is a big improvement. He said that he could see that my face had changed shape that in fact my sinuses had all become congested. He also said that dental work can misalign your spine which seems really bizarre but he was in fact correct as all the muscles in my lower back had also gone into spasm !
So onwards and upwards, tomorrow is another day and I'm putting up my best fight :)
Anyway I went to see my Chiropracter on Saturday and he was absolutely amazing. He said it was quite common for somebody like myself to end up with these problems and he reassured me that it will settle. He did loads of cranial work and a lot of trigger point therapy that has really eased the situation. Instead on a 10 out of 10 pain level I am now down to a 6 which is a big improvement. He said that he could see that my face had changed shape that in fact my sinuses had all become congested. He also said that dental work can misalign your spine which seems really bizarre but he was in fact correct as all the muscles in my lower back had also gone into spasm !
So onwards and upwards, tomorrow is another day and I'm putting up my best fight :)