Getting your braces tightened is an important part of the orthodontic process, but it can often lead to discomfort and soreness in the day or two following your appointment. While some pain is normal as your teeth shift, there are several things you can do to manage this discomfort and keep your treatment on track.
Is Braces Pain Normal?
When you get your braces tightened or adjusted, your orthodontist is actively creating tension using your braces in order to achieve proper tooth alignment. This puts pressure on the teeth and surrounding tissues, which can cause tenderness, sensitivity, and aching.
In most cases, this pain is temporary and should subside within a couple of days. However, knowing how to care for your teeth and braces during this time can help minimize your discomfort.
Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package. If you find yourself needing pain medication regularly after adjustments, talk to your orthodontist.
Apply an Ice Pack or Cold Compress
Holding an ice pack or cold washcloth against your cheeks can numb sore areas and decrease swelling. Apply the cold for 10-20 minutes at a time as needed. Make sure to wrap your cold pack in a towel and do not exceed 20 minutes of cold compress. Some patients also find relief from sucking on ice chips or popsicles.
Eat Soft Foods
Crunchy, chewy, and hard foods can aggravate sensitive teeth and gums after an adjustment. Stick to a soft food diet for a day or two, opting for things like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups, and pasta. As the pain improves, you can slowly add other foods back in.
Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Dissolve approximately one teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. The warm water can soothe tender areas while the salt helps reduce inflammation. Repeat this a few times per day as needed.
Use Dental Wax on Irritating Brackets
Sometimes shifting teeth can cause the braces brackets to rub against the insides of your cheeks and lips, creating sore spots. If you notice this happening, place a small piece of dental wax over the offending bracket to provide a barrier.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Braces pain can make it tempting to slack off on brushing and flossing, but keeping your teeth clean is extra important for preventing complications. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle on sore areas. If your usual dental floss hurts to use, try a water flosser instead.
Give it Time
Remember, most post-tightening pain will go away on its own within a couple days. Try to stay patient and distract yourself with favorite activities in the meantime. If pain persists beyond a week or becomes unmanageable, call your orthodontist for advice.
Keep Your Appointments
While it can be tempting to skip your adjustment visits to avoid pain, this will only prolong your overall treatment time. Stick to your scheduled appointments so your orthodontist can keep your treatment progressing as planned. Let us know if you are experiencing severe pain so they can help troubleshoot.
Get Relief from Braces Pain
If you experience pain after your braces are tightened, know that it is normal and temporary. We hope these tips can help you manage your symptoms and stay committed to your treatment plan.
However, if your pain is severe, long-lasting, or concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get your smile goals back on track.
