Most people’s treatment with traditional metal braces takes 18 to 24 months. Many patients experience some discomfort after each adjustment. You will have appointments with your Melbourne orthodontist to adjust the arch-wire every 4 to 6 weeks, and it can cause tenderness for a few hours or even a few days. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect and some tips for dealing with discomfort post-adjustment.

Why Does Adjustment Cause Discomfort?

An “adjustment” in orthodontic terms means that the doctor changes the shape of the arch-wire and reinstalls it on the brackets. The wire is bent and tightened before being reattached. The pressure the wire exerts gradually shifts your teeth toward their new positions. Think of it like when you put pressure on a metal spring. The spring strains release that energy and return to their original position. That’s what’s happening to the arch-wire after an adjustment.

As the teeth begin to move, it can also affect the blood flow in the gums and jaw. Sometimes that will trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which releases chemicals that will trigger your pain receptors.

1. Medicines for Post-Adjustment Discomfort

You have several options for over-the-counter medicines that can help with discomfort after adjustment. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. A topical gel or liquid such as Anbesol can also be applied to the gums to make them numb. One helpful strategy is to take ibuprofen about an hour before your appointment at Reddick Orthodontics. That way, the relief that it provides is already taking effect as the adjustment takes place.

So, between pain relievers and topical numbing medicine, which works better? A case review by Cochrane Library found that there’s not much difference between the two. Both options provide about the same amount of relief from discomfort, especially in the initial hours after adjustment.

Another thing you can do is prepare a glass of warm salt water. Swish it around in the mouth for about a minute. This will help to reduce any soreness or infection.

1. Food and Drinks for Discomfort

Cold foods and drinks can calm discomfort and reduce inflammation in the first hours after an adjustment. Drinking iced water and swishing it around on the gums can help. Enjoy a dish of ice cream, a cold cup of yogurt, or a popsicle. Sucking on ice cubes will also help; remember not to bite the ice cubes, and don’t try to break them up with your teeth.

Soft foods for the first day after an adjustment will also help to calm your mouth. Soups and cooked pasta are great, along with just about any meal prepared in a slow cooker. Avoid any foods that require you to bite or pull at them with your teeth because that will make the discomfort worse.

1. Hot and Cold Compresses for Discomfort

Ice packs work to relieve injuries or discomfort by reducing swelling and inflammation. Try wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it to the face for about 20 minutes. Some people are sensitive to cold, so there might be better options. Another option is to use a hot towel or a heating pad to the face. The heat will improve circulation to the face and help alleviate the discomfort.

Other Tips for Dealing with Post-Adjustment Discomfort

The brackets and wire can sometimes chafe against the insides of the cheeks. Be sure to use the orthodontic wax you’re provided with to cover up any troublesome spots until the mouth adjusts. Remember that there is a difference between pain and discomfort. If something is indeed causing you pain, call our office. Your Melbourne orthodontist may need to adjust your braces if something has come loose and is poking the inside of the mouth.

One more thing you can do to alleviate the discomfort: complain about it! Talking about the discomfort with a friend or loved one can take your mind off the problem and make it feel better.

The good news is that most of the discomfort will disappear after the first few adjustments. Your teeth and gums will start to feel better after you become fully accustomed to wearing your new braces.

If you or your child need braces, contact us to schedule an appointment today.