Tips for Limiting Discomfort from Braces from Your Kalamazoo Orthodontist

For a majority of people, after the get braces, they experience mild soreness, discomfort, and/or irritation that lasts for a few days. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much time for your mouth to begin to adjust, and you will become used to wearing your braces. We firmly believe that limiting the pain and discomfort you feel is an important part of wearing braces. Because of this, we ask that you communicate with us what you’re feeling at every appointment, and in between, if it’s needed. In this post, your Kalamazoo orthodontist will provide some tips of what you can do to limit your discomfort.

Use orthodontic wax. If you have irritation, pain, or discomfort from your brackets or wires, orthodontic wax can help. Fortunately, orthodontic wax is extremely easy to use. You just have to take a small amount and roll into ball with your fingers, then place on the area of your braces that is causing you problems. The wax creates a smooth texture that will not irritate your mouth and will provide your mouth with relief.

Have any protruding wires clipped. If a bracket has broken or you have a wire that is pushing into your cheek, you need to have it clipped by your orthodontist. You should never try to do it yourself as you can cause damage to your braces or to yourself. If you’re unable to see your Kalamazoo orthodontist right away, use orthodontic wax to help prevent the wires from irritating you or causing you pain.

Take pain relievers. Taking over-the-counter pain reliever as directed can help with pain, swelling, and discomfort. Ibuprofen is also anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce swelling.

Rinse your mouth with saltwater. If you have bleeding or swelling, it’s likely because you are not properly cleaning your teeth. You should let your dentist or orthodontist know about it right away. In the meantime, rinsing your mouth with saltwater a few times a day can help with soreness.

If you have braces and are experiencing anything beyond mild pain or discomfort, you should contact Bandeen Orthodontics, your Kalamazoo orthodontist, as soon as possible to assess what the issue is and to provide you with some relief.