Living With Orthodontic Braces: Pain Management & Daily Tips

Want to straighten your teeth? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite and we will talk you through your different options, from clear aligners to traditional train-tracks.

Whilst frustrating, braces pain is very common, and often a sign that your treatment is working. There are multiple ways you can manage this discomfort and carry on your everyday routine without interruption.

Orthodontic braces pain: Causes

Knowing the causes of braces pain will give you the knowledge needed to manage your discomfort. These are the most common contributing factors:

Your teeth are moving: The constant pressure on your teeth, gums and jaw will feel painful at times.
Your wires are catching: Sometimes the wires can scratch your cheeks and irritate the tissues.
Adjustments and realignments: This is essential to keep your teeth moving in the correct direction, but may lead to discomfort.
Diet: If you are eating certain foods that catch or pull on your braces, like chewing gum, it damages your braces and contributes to pain.

How long will braces be painful for?

For most patients, pain typically peaks in the first 3 – 5 days after having their braces attached or tightened. If you have clear aligners, it is usual to feel discomfort temporarily when switching to the next set in your treatment plan, or when re-inserting your trays after eating a meal.

So, why do braces hurt the first few days? This is because of the pressure being placed onto the teeth. The increased tension can also cause gum inflammation. If your symptoms do not subside after 7 days and become unmanageable, please contact your orthodontist. Let’s now discuss how to avoid braces pain.

How to ease orthodontic pain

One of the best ways to manage discomfort is by taking your usual over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen. Ice packs and cold compresses are perfect for swollen gums, while regular saltwater rinses help soothe irritation.

Another tip? If you have metal braces attached and the brackets or wires are contributing to your pain, cover the area with a dental wax to prevent rubbing. Additionally, you can switch to a soft food diet to minimise the pressure caused by chewing.

If you need more guidance on how to alleviate braces pain, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. They will be able to recommend products.

Living with braces: Tips and tricks

Modern braces are designed to seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, but may require slight adjustment periods while you progress treatment. The following tips will help to ensure a smooth and successful teeth straightening experience.

Tip	Why is it important?
Clean your teeth and brace after every meal	Minimises the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation and discolouration. Also helps to remove food stuck in your braces, which prevents bad breath.
Do not skip orthodontist appointments	Progresses treatment and allows your orthodontist to identify potential issues. Take this time to ask any questions you have.
Remember to stay hydrated	Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, while keeping your mouth feeling fresh.
Wear a mouthguard	If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, this may damage your brace. Consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your smile.
Carry a braces care kit	So you are able to care for your braces no matter where you are, make sure you always have a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and dental wax on hand.
Keep your clear aligners in their case	Want to minimise the risk of losing your aligners? Keep your trays in their case when not worn to keep them safe.
Do not ignore loose wires or brackets	Not only does this cause irritation to your mouth, but it exposes your brace to damage too.
Consider what you are eating	Clear aligners require no diet modifications as they can be removed to eat. However, if you have fixed braces, avoid anything hard, crunchy or sticky. This prevents damage to your brace.

Conclusion:

We understand that any sort of discomfort from orthodontic treatment is annoying; however, the end results are completely worth it. Want to kickstart your teeth straightening journey? Enquire with Yorkshire Dental Suite today.