Painless orthodontics sounds like an oxymoron. After all, the goal of orthodontics is an even smile and a proper bite. To do this, the bones in your jaw will have to move. How is it possible to do this without pain? At AZ Dentist, it means committing ourselves to procedures that are painless as possible, while carefully considering your wider scope of care.

What is painless orthodontics?

Painless orthodontics (and its related field, painless dentistry) is as much an approach to bite correction as it is a practice, but some orthodontists and dentists focus on proactive pain relief. This is also referred to as sedation dentistry, a practice that uses different levels of sedation depending on the needs of the patient and the type of procedure being performed.

There are multiple options for and levels of sedation in painless orthodontics, as a wider practice.

Minimal

At this level of sedation, the patient is calm and awake. Minimal sedation may include a pill that the patient can take before the procedure. This may relax the patient without putting them to sleep and is often enough to eliminate pain without further sedation.

Some orthodontists and dentists might use nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) during the procedure instead of a pill before. With either a pill or nitrous oxide, the patient is generally able to drive themselves home after the procedure.

Moderate

The patient is awake for the procedure but less aware.

Your orthodontist or dentist might use a combination of a pill and nitrous oxide for this deeper level of sedation. After a brief period of recovery, the patient is usually able to drive themselves home.

Deep

Deep sedation for painless orthodontics is used only when absolutely necessary. The patient may experience a “twilight” sleep, which is deep enough as to not be aware of what is going on. Sedation is delivered through an IV.

At the deepest levels of sedation, the patient may elect for general anesthesia administered by a specifically trained anesthesiologist. In this case, the patient is completely unconscious and will need someone to care for them after the procedure.

Does orthodontics really hurt?

In truth, it’s not the actual orthodontic procedure that hurts; it’s the signal of sensation transmitted to the brain that the brain then calls “pain.”

This may seem like splitting hairs, but it is an important distinction because it means that patients actually have some control over their level of pain. There are other aspects of orthodontic work that have a strong influence on our pain experience. Acute stress and anxiety can increase a person’s perception of pain, and a visit to the orthodontist or dentist can be a stressful experience for some.

Other factors that can influence a person’s level of pain include the following.

The sound of the drill

Often the anticipation of pain or the jarring sound of the drill can prime a patient for an interpretation of pain that may not exist.

The sight of a needle

The fear of needles is very real and prevents an estimated 20% of people who suffer from it from getting the medical care they need.

There are many variations of the fear of needles, but all may prevent patients from getting help for small health issues. This avoidance can then turn into big – and more painful – health issues.

The chair

For those who do not suffer from any type of fear or anxiety surrounding the dentist or orthodontist, this may seem strange, but the position of the chair can cause anxiety and a heightened perception of pain.

Consider small children who are anxious about the dentist and don’t really understand what is happening. Their fear is very real and very visible as they struggle against lying down. That vulnerable position may trigger adults as well.

The dentist

It makes perfect sense that a patient who trusts their dentist will be calmer and more relaxed than one who is unsure of a dentist’s skill or is put off by a gruff or impersonal “bedside manner.”

This one factor is why personalized relationships are so important to use at AZ Dentist. We know that working with a trusted dentist can you help you feel confident and cared for.

Why is painless orthodontics necessary?

On a practical level, painless orthodontics may be the only type of orthodontics that enables a patient to relax enough to get the care they need.

For some, the anxiety and fear surrounding visits to the dentist and the orthodontist are so great that they neglect their dental care. This can lead to not only poor dental health but also more extreme health problems over time.

Other reasons that painless orthodontics and painless dentistry are necessary include:

  • Patients with pain hypersensitivity
  • Comfort during long procedures
  • Difficulty “numbing” up
  • Patients with a severe gag reflex

Hypersensitivity to pain

Some patients experience a hypersensitive reaction to pain.

In some cases this is due to long-standing psychological blocks regarding the dentist or the orthodontist. Some patients may be experiencing a long-term chronic pain situation elsewhere in their body, such as fibromyalgia, that has caused a heightened response to pain.

Painless orthodontics is a way to stop the reaction to pain before it starts.

More comfort during long appointments

Some orthodontic and dental procedures take a long time.

Even low levels of discomfort over time can be challenging. Painless orthodontics help keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.

Difficulty getting numb

Many people are familiar with shots of Novocain administered to fill cavities and perform other minor dental work, but for some patients, Novocain is not effective.

No matter how many shots are given, the patient is not numb enough for comfort. Other sedation options can supplement or replace Novocain to make orthodontic and dental procedures possible.

A severe gag reflex

Some patients have a gag reflex that is extra sensitive. In these cases, sedation dentistry can help relax the throat muscles enough to make dental work possible.

Patients who experience any combination of the above can benefit greatly from painless orthodontics and painless dentistry that helps them get the care they need.

We are a Phoenix area orthodontist that believes that orthodontics doesn’t have to be painful. Our approach treats the whole patient, not just a set of teeth. We believe in a compassionate approach that eases fears and treats patients with respect and care. Get in touch today to discuss your options for painless orthodontics.

Schedule Your Appointment