Depending on your tolerance level, you might experience discomfort and pressure on your teeth and gums from braces, or describe it as mild pain. Most of our patients at Reddick Orthodontics in Melbourne have questions about what they will experience when they have braces. The good news is that the technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and braces don’t cause outright pain for most patients. If you experience pain or discomfort, here are some tips to help you manage it.

Why Braces Cause Pain or Discomfort

Discomfort from braces is a combination of the appliance and how it works. Your mouth is always accustomed to your cheeks resting against your teeth. When brackets and an archwire are attached to the teeth, they take up more space in the mouth. The appliance rubs and chafes against the cheeks, which is part of the discomfort.

Braces put pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them over time. Your orthodontist needs to adjust the braces every few weeks. Studies indicate that 18 percent of patients experience pain or discomfort during the adjustment, while nearly 60 percent experience discomfort a few days after an adjustment.

Immediate Relief Strategies

When you first have braces attached, our office will provide you with some orthodontic wax. Applying the wax to the brackets can cushion your cheeks as you adjust to the braces. Applying a cold compress to the cheeks can also reduce discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide relief. Parents will be advised to follow proper dosing instructions if their child needs any pain medication.

Dietary Changes for Comfort

The first day or two after your braces are adjusted, you may feel discomfort from the new pressure. Every once in a while, you might just have a “sore day.” During times like this, soft foods will be your new best friend. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and other soft foods can help reduce any chafing and discomfort.

Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided for the duration of your treatment. Our office will provide you with a full list of foods you should avoid while wearing braces. This is to protect the braces from damage and prevent discomfort. 

Oral Hygiene to Prevent Additional Pain

Maintaining your brushing and flossing routine is extremely important while wearing braces. Younger patients may need to learn to brush and floss to do a thorough job gently. Brushing and flossing are more of a challenge with braces because bits of food can become stuck in hard-to-reach places. Choosing the right toothbrush and mouthwash can make a big difference in your comfort level if you have sensitive gums.

Long-Term Pain Management Tips

Treatment with braces can last from 18 months to three years, depending on the amount of adjustment needed. Occasional discomfort will be a part of your life throughout the process. 

• Warm saltwater rinses can soothe discomfort.
• Adjust chewing techniques and eating habits to minimize pain
• Stay hydrated to improve overall oral health; cool or cold water can ease discomfort
• Take OTC pain medications as needed

Coping Strategies

Distraction works! Daily activities or hobbies can take your mind off any discomfort or pain you’re experiencing.

Some people clench their jaws as a natural reaction to discomfort. Practice breathing and relaxation techniques to help ease the tension. 

When to Call Your Orthodontist

As mentioned, most people only experience some discomfort or mild pain during treatment with braces. If you ever experience genuine, intense pain, calling your orthodontist’s office is a good idea. If a wire becomes bent or a bracket becomes loose, it can cause severe irritation or injury to the cheeks or gums. These accidents usually just require a quick appointment for a repair. If left untreated, scrapes on the cheeks or gums could lead to an infection. 

If you ever experience unusual pain or discomfort from your braces, contact us at Reddick Orthodontics in Melbourne. We’ll schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible!