Your Battle Creek Orthodontist Shares Ways to Limit Discomfort While Wearing Braces

For most people who get braces put on, they experience mild soreness, discomfort, and/or irritation that lasts for a few days. Fortunately, in very little time your mouth will begin to adjust, and you will become used to wearing your braces. Limiting the pain and discomfort you feel is an important component of wearing braces. You should be sure to communicate with us what you’re feeling at every appointment, and in between, if necessary. In this post, your Battle Creek orthodontist will look at some of the things you can do to limit discomfort while wearing braces.

Use orthodontic wax.

If you’re experiencing irritation, pain, or discomfort from your brackets or wires, orthodontic wax can help. Fortunately, orthodontic wax is extremely easy to use… all you have to do is 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 provide you some relief.

Get 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. It’s very important that you never try to do it yourself as you can cause damage to your braces or your mouth. If you’re unable to see your Battle Creek orthodontist right away, use orthodontic wax to help prevent the wires from irritating you or causing you pain.

Rinse your mouth with saltwater.

If you’re experiencing 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. However, in the meantime, rinsing your mouth with saltwater a few times a day can help with soreness.

Take pain relievers.

Taking over-the-counter pain reliever as directed can help with pain, swelling, and discomfort. Ibuprofen, in particular, is anti-inflammatory and can reduce swelling.

Please note, if you’re experiencing anything more than mild pain or discomfort, you should contact Bandeen Orthodontics, your Battle Creek orthodontist, as soon as possible.