On average, a person who needs braces will wear them for approximately 18 to 24 months. You’re going to experience some discomfort during that time. The brackets and archwire will occasionally chafe at the insides of your cheeks. The teeth will be shifting from their current locations to new ones, which can lead to soreness and inflammation of the gums. That discomfort is part of the price you will pay to achieve the perfect smile and the health benefits of it. Here are some tips to make the journey easier.

Soft Foods

Soft foods are a big part of your diet when wearing braces. Hard or crunchy foods can damage the delicate parts of your braces. They can also cause more irritation. Soups, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, steamed vegetables, smoothies, and any other soft, nutritious foods you can think of will help you avoid discomfort in the first place. You should follow the dietary guidelines given to you by your Melbourne orthodontist for the best results.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

An OTC pain medication like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation in the gums or the insides of your cheeks. Regular 200mg ibuprofen is okay for kids over the age of 12. If your child has braces before age 12, use children’s ibuprofen or talk to your doctor first. Oral anesthetics that numb the gums can also help. Just swab a little bit on the gums using a finger.

When you’re going through a consultation with your orthodontist, the discussion might include Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment uses a transparent, nearly invisible system of aligners. They similarly shift the teeth to braces but with less discomfort. The aligners are also removable for eating, brushing, and flossing. Research has shown that patients treated with Invisalign rely on fewer analgesics and pain relievers than those with braces.

Dental Wax

When fitted with braces, the brackets and archwire may chafe against your lips and the insides of your cheeks. Your orthodontist will provide some dental wax; you should pick up more from the pharmacy. This is a non-toxic wax that is safe for use inside the mouth. If you experience chafing, apply some of the wax to the brackets in that area. This will give you a cushion that protects against chafing and irritation. The good news is that the longer you wear braces, the less discomfort you will experience as your mouth adjusts to them.

Ice Packs

Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheeks can help to numb the discomfort and reduce inflammation. Wrap some ice cubes or an ice pack in a washcloth and apply it to the face for about 10 minutes. That should help soothe the discomfort, and you can repeat the process as often as necessary. You likely won’t be using ice packs for the entire time you’re being treated with braces. This is a strategy that most people only need for the first few days after they first get braces.

Cold Water

Ice packs work for the outside of the mouth, but a cold glass of ice water can soothe the discomfort inside the mouth. Swish some ice water around the insides of your cheeks for some relief. As a bonus, this will keep the mouth hydrated and help rinse off any plaque you missed the last time you brushed your teeth. Cold beverages like smoothies can also help. You can even have a little bit of ice cream to help ease the discomfort.

When to Call Your Orthodontist in Melbourne

It’s important to remember that there is a difference between discomfort and genuine pain. If you are experiencing true pain from your braces, contact us at Reddick Orthodontics as soon as possible. You might need a slight adjustment to your braces, or there could be a problem that needs to be repaired. If you have any questions, it never hurts to give us a call and see whether a situation requires a follow-up appointment.