How to Make Braces More Comfortable
While we offer many different types of braces here at Oakbrook Orthodontics and do everything we can to make your braces journey as comfortable as possible, it’s no secret that braces can still sometimes be painful or uncomfortable. That’s why we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help relieve some pain!
Take Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Aleve are great options for relieving dental pain. Make sure you follow all directions on the bottle and don’t take more than the recommended maximum amount.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Wax is a great tool to use if you have points of irritation in your mouth, such as a bracket or wire rubbing against your gum or cheek. To use orthodontic wax, rip off a small piece and roll it until it’s pliable. Dry off the area where you’re applying the wax as much as possible; this will help the wax stick better. Then press the wax over the wire or bracket that is causing irritation in your mouth, and press down to make sure it sticks. If you’re still experiencing pain and irritation, don’t hesitate to come in to make sure nothing is sticking out or broken.
Topical Anesthetics
Putting a numbing oral cream or gel over the affected areas in your mouth can be a great way to relieve pesky braces pain. You can rub products such as Orajel or Anbesol onto the teeth or gum areas that hurt to numb them. This is a great option because it’s easy to bring these products if you’re on-the-go at school, work, or wherever else.
Ice Pack
Cold temperatures are known to reduce inflammation and numb the targeted area. Take a bag of ice, an ice pack, or other frozen product in your freezer and place it right outside your mouth where you feel pain. The extreme cold will ideally numb up the area and make braces pain less noticeable.
Warm Water Rinse
While applying cold temperatures to the mouth can certainly help, warm water can help as well. If you have any cuts or sores in your mouth from your braces, or are feeling any soreness, rinse with a warm water and salt mixture. Salt is known to kill bacteria in your mouth and prevent infection, so rinsing with it if you have any open cuts or sores can prevent further issues.
Make an Appointment Today
At Oakbrook Orthodontics, we commit ourselves to supporting you throughout the braces process from start to finish. If you experience any issues with your braces at any time and these at-home tips don’t work, we encourage you to make an appointment. If you’re looking to get started on your braces journey or don’t know what types of braces is right for you, call today to set up a consultation at our orthodontist office near Downers Grove. We look forward to hearing from you!