Patients with braces may notice that they develop a fever a few days after an orthodontist applies braces. In most cases, the fever is prompted by the stress, lack of nutrition, and mild discomfort a patient may experience right after receiving braces. However, sometimes the fever may trigger from an allergic reaction.
Braces expose patients to a variety of biomaterials such as latex, metal alloys, etchants, and resin cements, which may release allergens. Symptoms including throat closure, mucusal or mild skin irritation, asthmatic reactions, and lip swelling may occur as a result of these biomaterials.
More than 4 million people in the United States wear braces.
In the event that a patient develops a high fever a few days after receiving braces, he or she should visit the orthodontist to make sure that an allergic reaction is not present. The orthodontist will search for signs of blisters, gingival inflammation, lip swelling, and erythema. If an allergic reaction is not detected, the orthodontic arch wires may be removed to relieve the patient of discomfort. When paired with Tylenol or another over-the-counter pain reliever, the fever can then be quickly reduced.
If you are experiencing any other types of pain or headaches, contact us today. We will be more than happy to help you through this difficult time. Dr. Derek Sanders has assisted numerous patients with braces and Invisalign. Our team of orthodontic professionals will do our best to help you relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Most of the time, any type of pain or discomfort after braces will subside.
The first form of braces occurred in 1819 when a man named Christophe-Francois Delabarre invented the wire crib, an early model of a dental brace.
Other Symptoms To Expect Immediately After Getting Braces
In addition to a fever, there are other symptoms you may experience right after you get your braces. Within a few hours, your teeth and gums may feel a bit sore and you may feel some pain that will likely persist for about a week. This soreness and pain is completely normal and indicates that your mouth is getting used to your braces.
During this time, we suggest that you stick to a soft food diet and eat foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soft fruits like berries and bananas. We discourage foods like candy and popcorn as it can get stuck in your braces and even damage them.
You can also take some over-the-counter pain medications to reduce any pain you may be facing. Soft wax may also help you if your braces are rubbing against the inside of your mouth. It can serve as a protective barrier and minimize the chances of sores or cuts. After about a month, you should be completely used to your braces and no longer experience any pain or discomfort.
Every time you go to the orthodontist to have your braces adjusted, you may also feel some pain and soreness for a few days. The good news is that this shouldn’t be as serious as it was when you first got your braces on and you’ll get used to the increased pressure after a few days.
Approximately 1 million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 wear braces.
Keep in mind that while braces may lead to some uncomfortable symptoms, they are always well worth it. After you get them off, you’ll enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile and completely forget about any discomfort and pain you may have faced. As long as you wear your retainers as prescribed, you can enjoy your beautiful smile for years to come.
Experiencing a Fever Following Braces Application? Contact Orthodontics Only
If your or a loved one is coping with a fever a few days after braces were applied, contact Orthodontics Only today. Dr. Derek Sanders and his team will investigate the mouth to make sure that there no allergic reactions and provide you with tips on how to relieve the fever.