Have you ever wondered how exactly braces help your teeth move? Every 6-8 weeks or so, you come into the office to get your braces tightened. What you usually notice is that you have a thicker wire, but how does that help with your treatment?
The goal of having braces is to encourage the movement of your teeth into proper alignment. At every appointment, Dr. Wang and Dr. Lee examine your teeth to determine how to move your teeth along in the most effective way. They understand how teeth move, and use that knowledge to decide how to make the magic happen.
With braces, pain, and discomfort are common because your teeth are dragged and pushed into a new position. Your teeth are under physical pressure with braces. As a result, your teeth release these biochemicals that cause inflammation.
Now, this inflammation is natural and a normal part of the process. The purpose of inflammation is to remodel the bone surrounding each tooth to create space to allow for tooth movement. So yes, the inflammation does more than just give you pain!
Normally people take drugs such as ibuprofen, which relieves pain because it is an anti-inflammatory drug. This means that ibuprofen works to reduce the inflammation your body is experiencing.
However, with braces, since we want the teeth to move and inflammation is needed for that movement, ibuprofen reduces the teeth’s ability to move! Of course, your teeth will still move even if you take ibuprofen, but the movement will slow down.
So now you’re probably thinking – what am I supposed to do about the pain I get from braces in Vancouver?
What alternative is there to taking ibuprofen?
The answer: Lower Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). We use LLLT to stimulate your gums and bones to allow your teeth to move, but also calms the nerve and reduces the release of pain. It’s a win-win of a speedier process with less pain!
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
