How To Relieve Orthodontic Treatment Pain?
Pain or discomfort are frequent and common side effects of orthodontic treatment, especially after brackets have been placed, braces have been fitted, Invisalign treatment has begun or orthodontic appliances have been adjusted.
Although generally temporary and benign, such orthodontic treatment pain can disrupt your daily activities and cause discomfort. Therefore, it is important to know how to relieve them in order to limit their impact on your daily routine.
Dr Normand Bach Orthodontist unveils his tips for soothing pain and limiting discomfort.
Understanding The Sources of Orthodontic Treatment Pain
Before establishing methods to relieve pain, it is essential to understand the reasons why these discomforts occur. This will enable you to deal with them more effectively.
When an orthodontist places new braces or performs an adjustment, your teeth, jaws and oral tissues must adapt to new pressure and the presence of a new device in your mouth.
While essential for aligning your teeth, this process may cause pain, increased sensitivity, and irritation. It is generally an unavoidable phase of orthodontic treatment, although we acknowledge that it can cause a certain level of discomfort.
Immediate Solutions for Pain Relief
Often unavoidable for many patients, the pain caused by orthodontic treatment can fortunately be relieved with effective solutions.
Taking an Over-The-Counter Analgesic
To reduce inflammation and pain, you can take an over-the-counter analgesic, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Apply Cold
Applying ice or cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours is an effective way to soothe sensitive areas.
Cold helps reduce inflammation and numb tissues, offering immediate relief.
Apply Orthodontic Wax
Applying specially formulated orthodontic wax is a simple, discreet and effective way to protect the inside of your cheeks, lips and other oral tissues from ulcers and irritation caused by brackets, wires and braces.
By creating a soft barrier between your braces and your oral mucosa, wax reduces the friction and pain associated with contact.
Choose Soft Foods
Soft foods such as purées, yogurts, compotes, smoothies and soups are easy to eat and don’t exert excessive extra pressure on your teeth and gums.
During the period of adjustment to your braces, eating soft foods not only helps prevent pain from worsening, but also avoids the additional irritation that can be caused by harder or crunchier foods.
Long-Term Solutions for Greater Comfort
To ensure optimum comfort throughout your treatment, it is advisable to adopt certain practices. These habits will help minimize discomfort and improve your overall experience.
Drink Water Regularly
Maintaining good hydration can go a long way towards reducing the risk of mouth irritations associated with orthodontic treatment. By drinking water regularly, you also promote the healing of sensitive tissues.
Adopting A Meticulous Oral Hygiene
Caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment is vital to avoid complications. By carefully brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle brush after every meal, flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth, you’ll maintain optimal oral hygiene, which is essential for preventing inflammation.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Recommendations
It is important to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations carefully to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment. This includes wearing elastics or aligners as prescribed. By following these instructions, you not only avoid prolonging the duration of your treatment, but also reduce the need for unplanned adjustments, and the discomfort that can arise thereof.
What If Pain Persists?
Although orthodontic treatment pain is quite common and normal, certain situations may require an emergency visit to the orthodontist.
If you are experiencing intense, persistent pain, or if you have a wire that is causing you injuries, a loose bracket or damaged braces, contact your orthodontist. Prompt treatment will help avoid any complications.
A Quick Reminder
Keep in mind that the pain resulting from orthodontic treatment is a normal part of achieving a perfectly aligned smile.
Although it can be uncomfortable at times, pain is usually temporary and can be managed with simple steps. The end result makes the effort and patience worthwhile!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic of Dr. Normand Bach Orthodontist.
