How to Make Wearing Braces More Comfortable

Braces in Overland Park, KS, are a temporary challenge but one that will reward your child (or you) with a beautiful smile for the rest of their life. So, the minimal discomfort your child will feel is a very small price to pay for a lifetime of confidence and the social rewards of having a perfect smile.

Your orthodontist will go over all the details with you. And here, we are going to give you some tips on how to make wearing your braces more comfortable.

What Makes Braces Hurt?

Braces hurt due to the constant gentle pressure on your child’s teeth during the alignment period. In addition, when your child first gets their braces, it will take time for their mouth to get used to the wire mechanisms that are used to shift and align their teeth.

When Do Braces Stop Hurting?

Fortunately, after the initial adjustment period of about three days, the pain and irritation caused by braces is manageable. Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS, will go over the different ways to make your braces more comfortable. But until then, here are some things you can do to help with that.

How to Make Wearing Braces More Comfortable

• Apply an Orthodontic Wax
• Use a Saltwater Rinse
• Eat Soft Foods
• Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene
• Avoid Hard, Crunchy, and Sticky Foods
• Enjoy Some Ice Cream (and other cold foods)
• Apply Topical Anesthetics
• Apply an Ice Pack
• Perform a Gum Massage
• Maintain a Positive Attitude
• Consider Getting Invisalign Clear Aligners Instead

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Overland Park, KS?

If your child (or you) needs braces, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today to schedule an exam. We are highly trained professionals and are proud to offer outstanding orthodontic care for your entire family.