Even with all the good braces do for our teeth, there are some situations where they may cause some discomfort. Although the pain is usually brief, it can still be a major annoyance in our day. Learn how to avoid pain when it comes to braces, making it a more pleasant experience all around.
The wires
Sometimes the pain isn’t from normal braces, but from things being out of place. Not only will this make for an unpleasant experience, but it could be doing more damage to your mouth. The best thing to do in this situation is to make an appointment with your orthodontist immediately. Get in as soon as you can, especially if you don’t have another appointment planned for a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, there are products you can invest in that will make it easier to dampen some of the pain. There is a wax material that can be purchased to put on the end of the exposed wire, making a cushion for your mouth. If the inside of your mouth has already been rubbed by the wire, take a little Tylenol to ease the discomfort.
Tightening
Whether you are getting braces for the first time or going in to get them tightened, it can be a painful experience. There are a few things that can be done to prepare and take care of after to lessen the discomfort as much as possible, making braces a more enjoyable experience:
- Take some sort of mild pain killer before going in to get your braces adjusted. Again Tylenol will do the trick.
- There are some foods that are restricted when you have braces, but others can be a welcomed relief. Cold foods such as ice water (don’t chew on the ice), ice cream, or frozen yogurt will help sooth any pain that may come with tightening.
- A warm salt rinse will also give some relief when things get rough. This is especially important if wires have been loose and hit against the inside of your cheeks.
- Ask your orthodontist for a bite wafer if the pain persists. This is a simple elastobyte wafer that you bite down on. The biting motion will deliver relief in a way that is safe for your teeth.
The end results with braces will make all these minor annoyances seem worth it. If you have problems with discomfort, don’t hesitate to call McDonough to find the easiest possible solution. This can save you a lot of pain and trouble in the long run. Make braces a positive experience for you or your child by enlisting all possible relief when it is needed.