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Having a picture-perfect and straight smile sometimes means you need to wear braces in order to get your teeth to their most optimal position. While some people can be wary of their appearance at this time, another common concern with metal braces is the pain that they can experience during their treatment.
Mild pain and discomfort are a normal part of wearing braces, but the good news is that you will only feel it after the orthodontist places or tightens the braces. As time goes on, your symptoms will diminish and even disappear altogether in just 3-4 days.
But, you also have some solutions to relieve your discomfort until that happens. Here are 4 ways to deal with the pain after getting metal braces:
Your teeth will be sore because the braces are placing more pressure on them. As a result, it’s best not to add to this pressure by eating hard foods that require a lot of chewing, like stakes.
Instead, opt for soups, mashed potatoes, or smoothies in the first few days. Many patients also indulge in lots of ice cream, since the cold often helps them relieve pain and inflammation.
Speaking of cold, you can also apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your cheeks for 10-20 minutes to help you deal with the pain and inflammation. This can help you manage your discomfort until your teeth get used to the braces.
Soft foods and ice packs may not always be enough. But, you can also take some OTC medications like Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and relieve your pain. There are also gels on the market you can apply directly to your gums to get near-instant relief.
Your orthodontist can recommend some pain-relief medications known to work for braces pain.
Orthodontic wax can help reduce the irritation the wires and brackets create when rubbing against your cheeks. The wax serves as a protective layer that reduces the risks of cuts and constant rubbing. While the wax is non-toxic, it’s recommended you remove it before eating and brushing your teeth, and simply re-applying it afterward.
At Great Bay Orthodontics, we provide our patients with professional and compassionate orthodontic services designed to help you get the smile you want.
If you are dealing with:
Dr. John Walsh is here to provide you with a personalized treatment plan designed to address your needs and get you the results you want!
To get started, please book a consultation at Great Bay Orthodontics online!
Have more questions about braces or our other services? Then feel free to reach out to our team at (603) 318-2602 for a short chat!
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