How to Deal With Braces Tightening Pain
Braces tightening pain is one of the most common complaints for those that wear braces. Every few weeks or months, you will need to go into the orthodontist clinic and get your braces tightened. This ensures your teeth are moving in the right direction and that the braces are doing their job.
If you are getting braces at our orthodontist in Hamilton, NJ, she will give you all the tips and advice you need to ensure you are not in too much pain after having your braces tightened. This guide will also cover some of the best ways to relieve braces tightening pain at home.
Over the Counter Medication
One of the best ways to relieve pain is to take an over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Advil. You can also buy an oral numbing gel over the counter, which you can rub on your gums.
Always make sure to read the labels on medicine and only use them as directed. If you are using other medications, make sure you can safely use over-the-counter numbing gels and pain relievers and that they will not interact with one another.
Most pain relievers can be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Make sure not to exceed the recommended dose. If you are still experiencing pain after taking pain relievers or for several days after getting your braces tightened, give our office a call and let us know the situation.
Salt Water Rinses
Salt water can do wonders for pain inside the mouth. Rinsing with salt water is a popular remedy after oral surgeries because it can help heal wounds and ensure that no bacteria is growing in the mouth.
Take a cup and fill it with warm water. Then mix half a teaspoon of salt with it. You can swish the saltwater in your mouth for just a few minutes every hour. As the pain gets better, you can do it less and less often.
Orthodontic Wax
If you prefer not to use medications, you can use wax. The orthodontist usually has some of this in their office, so you can ask for some before you leave the office. You can place small pieces of the wax over brackets that might be poking the inside of your cheeks or gums.
Make sure to soften the wax and then gently place it on the sharp parts of the brackets. You will need to put new wax on your brackets whenever you eat or brush your teeth.
Make sure to only use orthodontic wax, as other types of waxes can be toxic and should not be put inside the mouth.
Gum Massages
A gum massage is a simple and effective way to ensure that your braces tightening pain goes away. Just take a clean finger and rub it in circles around the gums. Make sure to only use slight pressure and massage the sore areas extra than the other areas.
You can also use ice cubes to rub the gums, as this will create a numbing feeling so that you experience the pain less.
Eat Soft Foods
While eating soft foods won’t alleviate the pain, it will ensure that it does not get worse. Eating foods like pudding, ice cream, and smoothies can give you the nutrients you need without overworking your mouth and teeth.
Make sure to avoid foods that you have to chew for long periods of time. You can also drink cold water to help numb the mouth.
Ice Packs
If the pain is felt along the cheeks as well as the teeth, you can take an ice pack wrapped in a towel and place it on the areas that are sore. You can do this every few hours. It might be helpful to do this before you eat so that the mouth is more numb before eating and you can eat your food easier.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
While you have braces, you need to make sure you brush and floss regularly. When you have tooth decay and gum inflammation, you might find that your pain after braces tightening is worse.
By keeping your mouth clean and free of bacteria, you can keep the pain from braces minimal.
Patience is Key
Braces come with some pain. This is a normal part of braces that millions of people experience all over the world. Although knowing it’s common might make you feel better, dealing with the pain that comes with braces is still hard.
You will need to be patient every time you get your braces tightened, as you know you will have pain for a few days. The good news is that the pain usually only lasts a few days, and then it goes away.
Not every brace tightening will be painful as well. Some will be more painful than others, as it depends on how the teeth are shifting. You might find that the pain from braces tightening is worse at the beginning compared to the last few times you get it done before getting the braces removed.
One thing to remember is how beautiful your smile will be once you get the braces removed. Thinking of the future of your smile can help you get past the pain as you keep the long-term goal in mind.
Final Thoughts
Most people find that a combination of the above approaches is the best way to alleviate braces tightening pain. You can use a pain reliever but also remember to use ice packs and eat soft foods.
Braces tightening pain should only last a few days and, in some minor cases, only a few hours. If the pain persists, please give us a call at 609-291-8555. We are happy to give you some pain-relieving tips.
We might also ask you to come into the office if the pain is severe or if it has lasted for more than a week.
Here at Bordentown Braces, we want to make sure you have a good braces experience that is as pain-free as possible. Contact us today!
Looking for braces or Invisalign? Looking for an board certified Orthodontist in Central NJ that treats kids, teens and adults? Bordentown Braces serves all surrounding areas of Bordentown, NJ including:
