3 Ways To Reduce Common Pain From Braces

Getting braces is a big decision for anybody to make; after all, braces require a great deal of adjustment and often have to be worn for at least a year. Furthermore, to ensure your teeth end up as straight as possible, you'll need to have your braces tightened every few weeks, which can be uncomfortable or even downright painful. Most people who get braces agree that enduring the discomfort is more than worth the end results. There are a few helpful solutions to common discomfort caused by braces that you should be aware of.

Aspirin: Your New Best Friend

First of all, never underestimate the effectiveness of a dose of aspirin. Usually, pain from adjustment of your braces will begin within the first couple of hours after your orthodontist appointment. Since it takes a little while for aspirin to kick in, it's a good idea to take an aspirin immediately after your appointment. To speed up its effectiveness and ensure the medicine dissolves fully into your blood, be sure to take the aspirin with a full glass of water.

If you take medications that prevent you from taking certain painkillers, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative.

Clear Orthodontic Wax

One very common cause of discomfort from wearing braces comes, not from having your braces tightened, but from the wires that can protrude out and poke and irritate your gums and mouth. If the discomfort is caused by a wire that's popped out of place or broken, you'll want to see your orthodontist to have this fixed as soon as possible. If the irritation is caused by the simple presence of the wire, however, your orthodontist should be able to provide you with a canister of clear wax, which can be broken off and molded onto the wire to reduce irritation. 

Soft Foods

Finally, soft foods will become your friend--especially after orthodontist appointments where your braces are tightened. Be sure to keep plenty of yummy soft foods on hand at all times, such as:

• soup
• mashed potatoes
• ice cream
• chili

The less chewing you have to do, the less pain you'll experience.

Having braces is uncomfortable at times; there's no way around that. However, by knowing how to treat and reduce pain caused by braces, you can have a more enjoyable experience. Along the way, just remember that the temporary discomfort will be worth the long-term results when you're able to enjoy a straight, beautiful smile thanks to the power of orthodontics.