Braces Pain – Managing Discomfort and Irritation

Starting orthodontic treatment with braces can feel a little intimidating. The possibility of some initial discomfort is often something you can’t help thinking about. Understanding the cause of pain and discomfort is the first step in managing it. The right insights can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s mild soreness from adjustments or irritation from brackets and wires, these are often short-lived. You can relieve braces pain with simple and effective tips. In this guide, our orthodontists guide you through the best ways to handle any discomfort. The tips will keep your new smile journey as smooth and pain-free as possible.

Why Do Braces Cause Pain?

Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure on your teeth to shift them into a more aligned position. This pressure generally causes some discomfort as your teeth, gums and jaws adjust position. Most people experience this at the beginning of treatment and following adjustments. They also report the discomfort decreases as treatment progresses and your teeth get closer the their optimal positions.

You may also experience some soft tissue irritation. Your cheeks, gums and lips may experience minor discomfort from the brackets and wires. Again, irritation is most common at the beginning of treatment with during the period of adjustment.

Home Remedies For Managing Braces Pain

When pain from braces sets in, home remedies can help reduce discomfort. They are easy to use and are sure to make your journey most comfortable. Here are our top options:

Saltwater Rinse

Swishing with warm salt water can relieve soreness and reduce inflammation in your gums and mouth. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and rinse for about 30 seconds to soothe irritated areas.

A lukewarm salt water rinse is a great post-meal mouth rinse to reduce the buildup of food particles and keep your teeth and gum healthy. 

Ice Packs or Cold Foods & Drinks

You can apply an ice pack to your cheeks and jaw to numb pain and reduce swelling. Eating cold treats like ice cream and smoothies is a tasty alternative. The cold can be especially soothing for inflamed gums or sensitive teeth at the beginning of treatment.

Orthodontic Wax

Brackets and wires can irritate your cheeks and lips from time to time. Orthodontic wax creates a barrier to prevent friction. Simply pinch off a small amount, roll it into a ball, and place it over any irritating brackets or wires.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Ibuprofen or Paracetamol is effective for mild and moderate braces pain caused by the pressure of adjustment and braces tightening. Always follow the recommended dosage and check with your orthodontist if you have concerns about taking pain medication.

Choosing The Right Foods

Choosing softer foods following adjustments is a great way to minimise discomfort. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, soup or yoghurt can reduce the pain when eating. Chewy, hard and sticky foods can cause more discomfort.

Warm Compresses

Applying a warm compress to the outside of your cheeks and jaws can help reduce tension in your jaw. With a more relaxed mouth, you may experience an improvement in discomfort.

Lip Balm

Orthodontic lip balm creates a protective barrier between your braces and your lips. Applying a small amount of balm to the irritated areas can provide relief from brackets and wires.

Conclusion

Managing the mild discomfort of braces is part of the journey toward a healthier, beautifully aligned smile. While mild pain and irritation are common, they are well tolerated. The simple and effective tips mentioned above will help you make the journey towards a new smile more comfortable. From using orthodontic wax to adjusting your diet and practising good oral hygiene, small steps can make a big difference.

It’s important to remember that the discomfort is temporary, and will be long forgotten once your treatment is finished. If you ever feel that the discomfort is too intense or isn’t improving, speak to your orthodontist.

MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30 plus years experience of helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics is a truly unique orthodontic practice.