Managing Discomfort And Adjusting To Orthodontic Appliances

Getting orthodontic treatment can be a difficult adjustment especially in the beginning. The discomfort and pain that comes with wearing braces or aligners can be challenging to deal with but there are ways to manage the discomfort and make the adjustment process easier.

Understanding the Discomfort

When you first get your orthodontic appliances you may experience discomfort or pain as your teeth and mouth adjust to the new pressure that is being applied. This is completely normal and is a sign that the treatment is working.

Some common sensations you may feel include –

Tightness or pressure on your teeth
Soreness in your jaw or gums
Irritation from the brackets or wires

It’s important to remember that this discomfort is temporary and will subside as your mouth gets used to the appliances. In the meantime there are several strategies you can use to manage the pain.

Managing Discomfort

Here are some tips for managing discomfort while adjusting to your orthodontic appliances –

Take over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate the pain.
Apply orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires that are causing irritation to your cheeks or gums.
Eat soft foods that are easy to chew to avoid putting additional pressure on your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Use a cold compress on your jaw to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your braces or aligners and increase discomfort.

It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing orthodontic appliances to prevent any additional discomfort or complications. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments and check ups.

Adjusting to Orthodontic Appliances

As you continue with your orthodontic treatment you will gradually adjust to wearing braces or aligners. Your mouth will get used to the pressure and discomfort and you may even forget that you are wearing them.

It’s important to be patient and stay consistent with your treatment plan. Follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for your appliances and attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments and progress checks.

Remember that the discomfort you are feeling now is temporary and will be worth it in the end when you have a beautiful straight smile. Stay positive and focused on the end goal and don’t be afraid to reach out to your orthodontist if you are experiencing unbearable pain or discomfort.

With time and proper care you will be able to manage the discomfort and adjust to your orthodontic appliances with ease.