How to Relieve Discomfort From Braces
How to Relieve Discomfort From Braces
Getting braces is a big step towards achieving the new, beautiful smile you’ve been looking forward to! As an experienced orthodontic office in Roy, UT, our team at Carr Orthodontics understands that the process of getting braces comes with a lot of questions and first-time experiences. With that in mind, we’re here to help throughout your entire smile journey.
So The Braces Are On, Now What?
After your braces are put on, you will typically wait about six to eight weeks before coming back in for your next appointment. After this checkup, the month-to-month appointments won’t change too much - there will be routine checks and Dr. Carr will continue tightening your braces and making adjustments until you reach your goal smile.
Having new hardware in your mouth can take some getting used to, and with anything new, there’s always an adjustment period. Sometimes, the first few days can be uncomfortable and a bit frustrating as you’re learning the new routine associated with braces. Here are three helpful tips that we think will help you get through your first week of braces.
Tip #1 - Remember, Some Discomfort is Normal
While the process of having your braces placed is painless, it’s expected to have some level of discomfort and soreness afterward. The inside of your mouth may be sensitive to the brackets rubbing against your cheeks and other areas. This can cause sores and irritation until the inside of your mouth toughens up over time. We recommend using orthodontic wax as needed until you feel comfortable. To apply the wax, simply squeeze it between your fingers and gently press it into any wires or brackets that are causing irritation.
If you do develop any sores from the rougher texture of your braces, mix one teaspoon of table salt with a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth out well. The saltwater rinse will help relieve the pain and promote faster healing.
If necessary, use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil to alleviate any soreness you’re experiencing as your braces begin to shift your teeth into the correct positions.
Tip #2 - Be Mindful of What You Eat
While this tip is something you will need to remember throughout the duration of your treatment, being mindful of the foods you eat in the beginning can also help alleviate any discomfort and allow your mouth to adjust to your new braces faster.
Eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, pasta, smoothies, and soft vegetables are best for the first few days. Additionally, keep some cold drinks and frozen treats around, as these can help relieve some of the soreness. Once you feel comfortable, you can generally go back to eating as normal. However, our team at Carr Orthodontics recommends continuing to avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that may damage your braces.
Tip #3 - Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your braces clean is key to protecting your teeth throughout your treatment. Starting your new oral hygiene routine during the first week of having braces will help you make this a good habit and ensure you don’t experience any problems in the future!
To prevent plaque buildup, brushing after every meal is key - or at least twice a day if brushing after every meal isn’t an option. You will also need to change your technique for both brushing and flossing since braces are really good at trapping food particles. Brushing the metal brackets and wires of your braces can cause your toothbrush to wear down more quickly than normal, so make sure to change out your toothbrush as soon as you notice the bristles starting to wear or fray.
For more tips about brushing with braces and how to properly care for them, check out our blog article, Tips for Taking Care of Your Braces.
Despite the initial discomfort, overall, most patients fully adjust to wearing their new braces after about a month. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office and we’ll be here to guide you through your treatment process. Are you ready to start your own smile journey with orthodontic treatment in Roy?
Schedule your free consultation today with Carr Orthodontics, or give our team a call at (385) 342-5754.