Probably one of the biggest fears about getting braces, except for the look of the braces when you have the metal ones, is the pain and discomfort. Luckily it is not as bad as you are thinking. You are not in constant pain and discomfort while you are wearing braces. However, you might feel some discomfort right after the orthodontist first puts the braces and when you get the wires tightened. Your teeth and gums might hurt for a little afterwards, but there are ways to get braces pain relief.
Here are 10 tips for braces pain relief:
1. Oral Anesthetics
A simple way to get some braces pain relief is to rub an oral anesthetic like Orajel or Anbesol directly on the sensitive teeth and gums. You can use either a cotton swab or your finger to apply it. Oral anesthetics desensitize your teeth and gums so you don’t feel the discomfort of shifting teeth so acutely.
2. Over-the-counter Pain Medicine
Another option is to take over-the-counter pain medicine. If you know you always feel some discomfort after an orthodontic appointment, take the medicine an hour before your appointment. This way you will feel less pain and discomfort during and after your appointment. No need to wait until you get home to take it.
One word of caution though: Make sure you read the instructions on the medicine and follow the dosage instructions carefully. This medicine is not meant to be used on a consistent basis so if you are still feeling pain and discomfort after a couple of days, let your orthodontist know immediately.
3. An Icepack
Cold temperatures can reduce inflammation and numb the mouth so you don’t feel the pain. If you have an icepack or a gel icepack handy this can work great. Just apply it to the outside of your mouth for braces pain relief.
4. Cold Ice Water
If none of these are available, then a simple glass of cold ice water can also do the trick. After you get back from your orthodontic appointment, sip on a nice cold glass of ice water and it will numb your mouth enough to relieve some of the pain and discomfort.
5. Soft Foods
With traditional wire braces, there are a lot of restrictions especially when it comes to what you eat including hard candy, gum and hard to chew foods. Right after getting your braces though and after each tightening you might want to stick to avoid even just crunchy foods. Sticks to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes and cereal.
Even if you chose Invisalign aligners and don’t have to worry about wire straightening, you will still have an adjustment period with each new set of aligners so during those periods, be kind to your mouth and stick to softer foods.
6. Orthodontic Wax
Your orthodontist will most likely send you home from your appointment with orthodontic wax, which is a special wax that protects the inside of your lips and cheeks and your gums from the brackets of the braces. The wax creates a barrier that keeps the sharp ends of the brackets from irritating your mouth.
To use, follow the instructions your orthodontist gives you. But the basic idea is that you mold the wax over the bracket that is causing the irritation. It is a nontoxic wax so you don’t have to worry about accidentally swallowing some, but remember to take it off before you brush your teeth. Reapply after brushing your teeth and after meals.
7. A Warm Rinse
While cold temperatures certainly do the trick, a warm salt water rinse can too. Gurgling with warm salt water can help heal any sores or cuts you might have in your mouth and on your gums from the braces.
8. A Gum Massage
If massaging a sore shoulder works, why not massage your gums for pain relief too? It is real simple too. All you have to do is gently rub your gums in a circular fashion with one of your fingers. For a full effect, before massaging your gums first rub your gums with a block of ice. Not for long though, just enough to relax your swollen gums.
9. Good Dental Hygiene
How you take care of your teeth and your braces can also make a difference when it comes to pain and discomfort too. The most important thing to remember when wearing braces is that you have to keep both your teeth and the braces themselves sparking clean to ward off tooth decay and gum inflammation. Food will get stuck on the brackets and wires so you need to clean them thoroughly too. Every time you brush make sure you also floss carefully and use mouth wash to ensure that you get rid of all the food particles hanging around after your meal.
10. Need to be Patient
Probably the most important tip to get through this adjustment period is to be patient. Keep your overall goal in mind: a healthier, beautiful smile. The pain and discomfort will only last a few days while your new smile will always be with you as long as you take proper care of it.
Choosing the right orthodontist can also make the whole teeth-straightening process easier as well. An orthodontist who is trained on all the up-to-date orthodontic advances and who is truly invested in your welfare is going to do everything they can to help keep you comfortable throughout your treatment.
Before choosing an orthodontist, create a checklist of the important skills and qualities that are most important for them to have. Then compile a list of possible candidates by getting recommendations from family and friends and even your dentist.
Before making a final decision, be sure to meet with a couple of your top candidates first. You can’t really know who is going to be a good fit until you come face to face. This way you can get a sense of their chairside manner and how the staff treats patients. Also if their offices are dated and dusted, then that is a glaring warning side that they have not kept up with the latest orthodontic technology.
The team at Orthodontics Limited really care about your oral health, call them today for a free initial consultation and to learn more about braces pain relief.
