Braces and aligners can do incredible work to straighten and correct your teeth. However, they can come with some discomfort. This is especially true after an adjustment or receiving a new set of aligner trays. Managing orthodontic pain or discomfort shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a teen just getting started or an adult refining your smile, here are some remedies you can try at home to stay comfortable.

Where Orthodontic Pain Comes From

It’s normal to experience some tenderness when you start treatment or after your Melbourne orthodontist makes a routine adjustment. That tenderness is a sign that your teeth are responding to pressure and beginning to shift into the proper alignment. This is part of the process, but understanding why it’s happening can help you feel more at ease. 

• General Soreness: This usually happens in the first few days after getting braces or starting with aligner trays. 
• Tooth Sensitivity: Your teeth may feel pressure-sensitive when chewing or eating. This is why soft foods are recommended. 
• Gum and Cheek Irritation: Brackets and wires can rub against soft tissues in the mouth, causing some discomfort.
• Jaw Tension or Headaches: If treatment aims to shift your bite alignment, it can trigger tension in nearby muscles. 

Mild to moderate pain from orthodontic treatment is normal. If it improves after a few days, it’s nothing to worry about. If you’re experiencing sharp pain, swollen gums, or a wire poking the inside of the mouth, call our office. That’s usually a sign that there is a problem, and we’ll schedule you for an emergency appointment to correct it as soon as possible. 

Top Home Remedies for Relief

Orthodontic discomfort may be part of the process, but managing it at home can be a cinch. Here are some tried and true methods to help ease the pressure and make life more comfortable between visits.

Cold Compresses

Wrap an ice pack in a soft cloth and apply it to the outside of your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold will help numb soreness and reduce swelling, especially after an adjustment. 

Soft Foods

Stick to a diet of soft foods to avoid straining your teeth or the brackets and wires. Mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and scrambled eggs are great choices. We’ll give you a full list of foods we recommend and ones you should avoid while you’re following the treatment plan. 

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

OTC medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease moderate pain. Follow the dosage instructions based on age and weight, and ask your orthodontist if you have any questions about which choice is best for your situation. 

Saltwater Rinses

Dissolve one teaspoon of table salt in warm water and swish it around the teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. This age-old remedy works. It calms the inflamed gums and promotes healing. 

Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax will become your new best friend for a while when you’re wearing braces. If the brackets or wires are causing irritation, just smoosh a small amount of wax on them to create a protective barrier between the hardware and your sensitive cheeks.

Warm Compresses for Jaw Tension

You may feel tightness or tension in your jaw. This is a natural reaction to the pressure of shifting the teeth. Applying a warm washcloth to the outside of the face can help soothe the jaw muscles and promote relaxation. 

When to Call Your Melbourne Orthodontist

If you experience persistent pain that lasts more than three to five days after an adjustment, that’s not normal. Broken brackets or poking wires can cause sores or ulcers inside the mouth if left unattended. If the pain progresses to infection, swelling, or bleeding around the teeth and gums, that should be cause for concern. Severe jaw pain or headaches that prevent you from sleeping or make eating uncomfortable are additional problems to watch for. 

If you experience any of these problems after your braces have been adjusted, contact us so we can schedule a checkup immediately.