10 Tips for Braces Pain Relief
Probably one of the biggest fears about getting braces, except for the look of the braces when you have the metal ones, is the pain and discomfort. Luckily it is not as bad as you are thinking. You are not in constant pain and discomfort while you are wearing braces. However, you might feel some discomfort right after the orthodontist first puts the braces and when you get the wires tightened. Your teeth and gums might hurt for a little afterwards, but there are ways to get braces pain relief.
Here are 10 tips for braces pain relief:
1. Oral Anesthetics
A simple way to get some braces pain relief is to rub an oral anesthetic like Orajel or Anbesol directly on the sensitive teeth and gums. You can use either a cotton swab or your finger to apply it. Oral anesthetics desensitize your teeth and gums so you donāt feel the discomfort of shifting teeth so acutely.
2. Over-the-counter Pain Medicine
Another option is to take over-the-counter pain medicine. If you know you always feel some discomfort after an orthodontic appointment, take the medicine an hour before your appointment. This way you will feel less pain and discomfort during and after your appointment. No need to wait until you get home to take it.
One word of caution though: Make sure you read the instructions on the medicine and follow the dosage instructions carefully. This medicine is not meant to be used on a consistent basis so if you are still feeling pain and discomfort after a couple of days, let your orthodontist know immediately.
3. An Icepack
Cold temperatures can reduce inflammation and numb the mouth so you donāt feel the pain. If you have an icepack or a gel icepack handy this can work great. Just apply it to the outside of your mouth for braces pain relief.
4. Cold Ice Water
If none of these are available, then a simple glass of cold ice water can also do the trick. After you get back from your orthodontic appointment, sip on a nice cold glass of ice water and it will numb your mouth enough to relieve some of the pain and discomfort.
5. Soft Foods
With traditional wire braces, there are a lot of restrictions especially when it comes to what you eat including hard candy, gum and hard to chew foods. Right after getting your braces though and after each tightening you might want to stick to avoid even just crunchy foods. Sticks to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes and cereal.
Even if you chose Invisalign aligners and donāt have to worry about wire straightening, you will still have an adjustment period with each new set of aligners so during those periods, be kind to your mouth and stick to softer foods.
6. Orthodontic Wax
Your orthodontist will most likely send you home from your appointment with orthodontic wax, which is a special wax that protects the inside of your lips and cheeks and your gums from the brackets of the braces. The wax creates a barrier that keeps the sharp ends of the brackets from irritating your mouth.
To use, follow the instructions your orthodontist gives you. But the basic idea is that you mold the wax over the bracket that is causing the irritation. It is a nontoxic wax so you donāt have to worry about accidentally swallowing some, but remember to take it off before you brush your teeth. Reapply after brushing your teeth and after meals.
7. A Warm Rinse
While cold temperatures certainly do the trick, a warm salt water rinse can too. Gurgling with warm salt water can help heal any sores or cuts you might have in your mouth and on your gums from the braces.
8. A Gum Massage
If massaging a sore shoulder works, why not massage your gums for pain relief too? It is real simple too. All you have to do is gently rub your gums in a circular fashion with one of your fingers. For a full effect, before massaging your gums first rub your gums with a block of ice. Not for long though, just enough to relax your swollen gums.
9. Good Dental Hygiene
How you take care of your teeth and your braces can also make a difference when it comes to pain and discomfort too. The most important thing to remember when wearing braces is that you have to keep both your teeth and the braces themselves sparking clean to ward off tooth decay and gum inflammation. Food will get stuck on the brackets and wires so you need to clean them thoroughly too. Every time you brush make sure you also floss carefully and use mouth wash to ensure that you get rid of all the food particles hanging around after your meal.
10. Need to be Patient
Probably the most important tip to get through this adjustment period is to be patient. Keep your overall goal in mind: a healthier, beautiful smile. The pain and discomfort will only last a few days while your new smile will always be with you as long as you take proper care of it.
Choosing the right orthodontist can also make the whole teeth-straightening process easier as well. An orthodontist who is trained on all the up-to-date orthodontic advances and who is truly invested in your welfare is going to do everything they can to help keep you comfortable throughout your treatment.
Before choosing an orthodontist, create a checklist of the important skills and qualities that are most important for them to have. Then compile a list of possible candidates by getting recommendations from family and friends and even your dentist.
Before making a final decision, be sure to meet with a couple of your top candidates first. You canāt really know who is going to be a good fit until you come face to face. This way you can get a sense of their chairside manner and how the staff treats patients. Also if their offices are dated and dusted, then that is a glaring warning side that they have not kept up with the latest orthodontic technology.
The team at Orthodontics Limited really care about your oral health, call them today for a free initial consultation and to learn more about braces pain relief.
72 responses to “10 Tips for Braces Pain Relief”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I just got my pallet expander removed yesterday and my teeth have been in pain . How can I relieve the pain ?
I recently got braces and OMG they hurt!!!!!
Like I canāt eat anything I like and itās so sad, I can only eat muffins and things like that. If I eat hard foods or things like pasta, it takes me up to an hour to eat because I have to break it all up!! ?
Omg yes I feel you! I just got my braces on a few hours ago and if I even touch my teeth they hurt!!!!!! Also one of my teeth in the back of my mouth hasnāt been connected with wire yet and even that tooth hurts for some reason. By the way I donāt know if anyone will see this post but the wire got hooked INTO MY CHEEK and they had to pull it out which sucked but anyway, I am going to try cold water and massaging my gums. I try to keep in mind that when this is done, I will have a nice smile and I work towards that goal
I have had my top braces for a year now, and I just recently got my bottom braces on. They hurt worse than it did when I got my top on!
It might hurt but drink a lot of water ā cold waterā
And eat soft foods like (muffins, plain doughnut s,
Blueberries, etc ā and more and moreā ) or you
Can try using an ice pack the pain will probably
Stay for like 2-4 days I just got my braces and my pallet expander off and phew, that is over with!
i just got mine today and they hurt really bad and i canāt eat all i eat is yogurt and i drink a lot of water . and iām so tempted to eat my chips but i canāt cus itāll hurt.
I feel you I have had mine for 8 weeks and they had to put place holders when they got out on amd then I went yesterday amd they put more brackets on amd a twist to close my gap on the top in it hurst soo bad
Aye same it feels Nasty af and I canāt really eat. Sadly my mom wonāt let be blend my food
Samle I got my braces today omg they hurt so so much and it felt fine the first couple of hours then just pain
Bro braces suck. There fine at first and then you feel all the pain. Iāve been up all night miserable. Like they kill. And Iāve tried everything and nothing helps. Please leave some suggestions.
Hi yes when I first got my braces I felt the same way just take Ibuprofen or Motrin and some oragel at different times key is to be paitent though!!!
Try oragel! It numbs your mouth š
OMG SAMEEEEEE š
I just got my tracks on and it hurts so bad
I just got my braces yesterday and they hurt only a little also I am able to eat chips without them hurting. I am only 14 years old and grade 8
I just got my braces on today and I canāt sleep with them what should I do they are just so sore
i suggest try not to sleep on your sides. try tylenol and not ibprophen because itās an anti inflammatory
Dont worry. The pain will stop…until you get them tightened. I got mine tightened two days ago and I could not sleep AT ALL. But, the next night I slept like a baby. It’s all a matter of time. It will hurt and I cannot say it wont. But just remember that when it does hurt its going to stop and you’re going to be okay š
I feel ya! I just got mine on. I do suggest not sleeping on your side with the part that hurts against the pillow, for me that just made it worse. I also suggest taking some pain killers and a bit of sleep medicine and you’ll be sleeping just fine. For me, warm also was really nice. If you happen to have any gel packs, microwave one for about 5 seconds and press it against where it hurts. That also worked wonders!
Iāve had a powerchain before but I recently got one again on my top braces and because Iāve had teeth pulled up there, the powerchain is closing all the gaps at once. Itās so painful, Iāve had ice on it all day yesterday, all night, and most of the day today but it still hurts. Iāve also taken medicine. I canāt eat any foods I usually eat. Help!?
Iāve had my braces tightened several times now, and last time they did a power chain on the bottom left, and that was the worst pain Iāve had, UNTIL NOW! THIS time, I ONLY have power chains and I am .*#dying#*.
I wanted more information on how much do braces cost? if I decided to get them.
My sons were 2,700
Mine were 9,000
My insurance took off $1000 so it came out to about $3000
Mine were $7000
I just got mine 2 days ago and they are uncomfortable enough to stop me concentrating on anything. I can’t sleep, work, have fun and I find it tricky to blank out the pain. How do I stop this??
I would suggest cold water or a cold drink without sugar, donāt eat anything hard or crunchy and try not to touch your teeth with your tongue. Try and ice pack or a warm water and salt rinse. DO NOT USE IBUPROFIN!
they are $2,300 if you get them
Mine was $3300
What good to take pain away after braces get tightened ?
IDK BUTT MY TEETH HURT A LOT
This liquid Medina āoral pain reliefā thank me later
Medicine ***
I use warm water
Eat jello it works for me
Mine is a 750$ down payment then 150$ a month
I have had braces for a long time and they Hurley when you first get them on I got some removed and put back on in a different way and they hurt really bad now I massaged them and put ice and it helps also chewing gum helps too when you first get them on!!?
I thought you weren’t supposed to chew gum while having braces on…
Anyway, I just got train tracks and they hurt so bad… I got the top row a couple of weeks ago and now I got the bottom; if it hurts I recommend eating ice cream. It helps because it’s cold and it’s yummy š
It doesnāt hurt too much??? My braces hurt like CRAZY for four weeks. Then, I got the pallet expander (which orthodontists only use to mess up ur teeth so they get more money). You may call me a baby or whatever, but when my friends got it, they got the same reaction… And that reaction was āOW!ā I think you should stop lying to the new brace-users. They hurt a lot. You would know that if you ever wore braces.
You are a fucking dumbass the expander is to expand your mouth to make room not for more money.
I agree that braces hurt a lot. They hurt like HELL!!! My teeth have gotten straighter tho, so Iām hoping itās worth it. When I first got my braces on, all I had was soup for like 5 days. And having soup still hurt! Whenever I get my braves tightened, I have a heating pad I put on my mouth and an ice pack for flaming gums!!! Iām not gonna lie, braces hurt a lot!!! I know that makes people doubt whether itās worth it, but my teeth r definitely getting better. Just be patient with pain and get ur mind off it.
IT HURTS SOO MUCH but I recemend an ice pack
eat ice cream or something cold because it loosens up the wires
Well i have had braces for more than 1 year now and what i do to remove any pain is an ice pack any kind of anti inflammatory cold water chewing on cold teething rings and the key is good dental hygiene and patience.
It will hurt Iām on my second day but I have found that heat works but besides that medicine is the only thing really
I use teething rings too. They do help. Also, I just got my braces tightened yesterday so I played video games while have a water bottle full of ice cubes next to me. I just sucked on the ice cubes all night. It definitely helped!!!
My braces hurt really bad. I got them 3 days ago. Nonstop pain. Can someone help me?
Try microwaved gel packs. No kidding, they work WONDERS.
This is my second day with braces and it hurts so firkin bad!! And what help me the most that might be gross but works so so well if massaging your gums thatās on the top of the teeth that are in pain! Hope this works for you!
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH
my teeth hurt like booty and i’m in school rn and what should i do because i got them on yesterday
What can I do to relieve pain Iāve had my braces for 3 or 4 days now , and do the pain stop after a week of having them or what ?
but we aren’t supposed to eat gum?
hi my name is Bella and I have had them on since December and I got them changed today and they hurt so bad and it has worked with ice and cold water…
To anyone who just got braces and your teeth are sore, I suggest drinking cold water and then taking a nap (DO NOT SLEEP ON YOUR SIDES) while listening to catchy songs or wathching your favorite movie. Drinking ice cold water numbs the teeth, napping helps so that you are not constantly in pain and listening to music takes your mind off the pain. Watching a movie also takes your mind off the pain. I would also suggest hanging out with friends or just calling them up and talking to them because it really helps you forget about your discomfort. Also do not eat any hard foods, only soft. Hard foods make your teeth more sore and overall more painful to deal with. Believe me, eating tacos after getting braces was the most stupid choice I have ever made. Hard and soft, because the hard ones were too crunchy and the soft taco was too hard to chew.
For those who are going to get braces a good hack food wise is to eat before you get them and right after. I would also suggest taking a nap right after that way your body will situate to the soreness you will pertain before you awaken. I’ve had my braces for a little over two years and have found these hacks very comforting after a tightening and when I first got them.
OMG, thanks so much! I made the stupid mistake of sleeping on my side the first night, and the whole night I was having a meltdown because everything just HUUUURRRTT…
Eating hot soup works really well. After I got my braces tightened, I would eat ramen noodle soup with hot broth and a lot of the pain would go away during that time. And it’s enjoyable, unlike many other methods.
I havenāt even gotten the full set of braces yet ,all I have are the brackets but thereās swelling in two of my teeth.My right cheek gum also hurts because one of the brackets are poking it .What painkillers can be suggested to take away the pain?Im already using orthodontist ointment but can I also take ibruprofen
Yes but my ibruprofen did not seem to work so well. Try other meds
Iām actually terrified of getting braces. My parents are quite likely going to make me, but Iām going to try my best to prevent it. Iām just reading all of these comments to try and prepare myself for when I get them. Iām also quite scared of pain, so, so far Iām pretty scared. š
Try Acetaminophen, that worked for a bit for me.
I got my braces on yesterday and today I am in so much pain, i feel like nothing is helping. Can someone give me advice because cold water helps for a second and i cant put an icepack on all 32 of my teath. I cant even drink a smoothie it hurts so bad.
I have braces and my canine hurts rlly bad
My Braces still hurt, none of these things help for long enough, I have been crying myself to sleep for the past couple of days and it won’t stop. My Orthodontist says its normal, but it is extremely painful. What do I do about that?
I just got my braces yesterday and they hurt only a little also I am able to eat chips without them hurting. I am only 14 years old and grade 8
So I got braces earlier today and they hurt so bad! Like at first they felt fine but then after an hour it started killing and the pain got progressively worse. Iām 16 and Iām currently in college and omg I went back to college after I had them fitted and I was sat in class in so much pain with no water no pain killers or anything. I found that cold water helps and also eat cold yogurt that is very very soothing. I also massage my gums. Hope this helps!
dont get braces then
I just got my braces 3 days ago and the pain sometimes is unbearable but I looked up ways to help and I got some Orajel for my gums and it helps a lot and I drink warm tea and it feels good when the warmth of the tea gets on my teeth. I have to use the wax they gave me because the braces are cutting me up and I keep accidentally bitting the inside of my check itās painful but I also put the Orajel on the inside of my checks as well it helps a lot but donāt last long. Once the Orajel numbing goes away my teeth hurt a little bit but not like they did. So maybe this will help someone out. And trust me I canāt eat nothing not even soft fruit or noodles right now. Iām just eating yogurt and drinking soups.
I just got braces yesterday and my tooth hurts so bad
OMG SAMEEEEEE š