Managing Pain and Discomfort in Orthodontic Treatment
Posted on 9/16/2024 by Roncone Orthodontics
Getting braces often causes soreness or tenderness, especially in the first week after tightening. However, planning and using the relief tips from our office can ease your adjustment. Consequently, clearly understanding what to anticipate and receiving appropriate assistance can enhance the comfort of the treatment process.
Short-Term Soreness Is Normal After Adjustments
We make minor wire and bracket tweaks during orthodontic visits to gradually shift your teeth. It takes light, steady pressure over many months to reposition teeth safely. After appointments, you may feel new soreness from increased pressures as your teeth slowly drift into corrected spots.
These symptoms typically peak in 2-3 days and then fade within a week once your body and mouth tissues get used to recent tiny changes. The soreness follows the process of how your body normally adjusts. Knowing the soreness should not last sets expectations correctly.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Help
Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce swollen nerves and tissues, causing orthodontic discomfort. Our office lets you know the appropriate dosing for your age and weight when wire changes may cause more soreness. Properly timed medication curbs pain so treatments feel more comfortable.
Soft Foods Prevent More Discomfort
Chewy, crunchy, or hard foods can hit tender spots and bend wires, leading to more pain. After adjustments, stick to soft nutrition like smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, eggs, or cooked grains. Letting appliances stabilize without disturbance brings relief faster. Once you adjust in around 5-7 days, you can eat all types of foods again while being mindful to handle them carefully.
Rinsing Helps Soothe Soreness
Warm salt water rinses reduce inflammation in aggravated gums and oral tissue. Rinse gently 2-3 times daily for 1-2 weeks following wire tightening. The salt has anti-inflammatory properties to ease swollen nerve endings responsible for orthodontic discomfort. Alongside good cleaning, rinsing speeds tissue recovery.
While moving teeth to widen smiles takes months, most discomfort stays brief and manageable with some care after appointments. Working together, we ensure you smile confidently through the process!
About | Orthodontist Temecula CA Learn more about orthodontic practice in Temecula, CA, on our website. Info on Dr. Christopher Roncone, board certification, FAQ's & more! Roncone Orthodontics - Dr. Christopher Roncone, 32140 Temecula Pkwy Suite 201, Temecula, CA 92592 - (951) 595-8291 - ronconeortho.com - 12/7/2024 - Related Phrases: Orthodontist Temecula CA -