How to Overcome the Pain Caused by Braces?

The moment has come: you’re about to receive your braces and undergo an important journey that will boost your oral health in multiple ways. While this may be a bit nerve-wracking, it is nevertheless exciting. The time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be coming back to see your dentist in Winnipeg to have them removed.

If you’re interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment, get in touch with our local dental practice today! Our team will be very happy to assist you with whatever you need.

Types of Braces

There are a few different forms of braces that your dentist can recommend to you depending on the current state of your dental health, personal preferences, and the extent of repairs that are necessary to get your smile functioning correctly. These include the following:

Traditional braces

Typically, traditional metal braces pop into our minds when someone mentions ‘braces’. A framework of metal of brackets and archwires is placed over your teeth, gradually getting them to shift into a healthier, straighter position by exerting firm pressure.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are very similar to traditional braces but instead of being placed on the surface of your teeth the faces outward, they’re installed on the backside.

Ceramic braces

As the name illustrates, instead of utilizing metals, your brackets and archwires are fashioned from ceramic. This is a great option to keep in mind if you want your treatment to be more subtle.

Clear aligner therapy

Invisalign is the most well-known form of clear aligner therapy. Sets of trays made from high-quality dental plastic are designed to fit over the top and bottom rows of your teeth. These put continual pressure on your smile to get your teeth the move.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist near you for more information about receiving braces in Winnipeg. When you come in, they’ll examine your mouth and most likely take multiple x-rays too to create an accurate image of your oral health situation. They’ll talk to you about your dental history and preferences too. Before you leave, your dentist will be able to suggest the most appropriate course of action.

Dealing With Braces

A large part of wearing braces is your periodic checkups that follow. These visits consist of your dentist or dental specialist tightening your braces or providing you with brand new trays that put more – and steady – pressure on your teeth, encouraging them to move elsewhere.

However, having your braces adjusted isn’t necessarily the most comfortable experience. You’ll most likely experience some sensitivity and discomfort in the days that follow until you get used to the new amount of pressure.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help reduce these feelings, and they are noted below for your convenience:

• Eat and drink colder things. Not too cold, because this can also cause sensitivity, but cooler foods and such can reduce inflammation and even numb your mouth a little bit.
• Consume soft foods. Crunchy snacks like chips, pretzels, and popcorn will hurt to eat for the first while; stick to yogurt, oatmeal, and soup.
• Use ice. Press a cold compress against your jaw or cheek to keep any swelling down.
• Make use of orthodontic wax. This can be a lifesaver, especially when it comes to scratchy wires. Simply put a small glob of wax in any place where your braces are slightly poking or irritating your gums; it’s a simple DIY trick that helps you feel much better.
• Get a new toothbrush, particularly one with soft bristles.
• Take Tylenol or Advil to help you manage any pain. Your dentist will advise this as a solution as well.

Should you have further questions or concerns about anything about your orthodontic journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.

Here at Polo Park Dental, we provide braces near you. Our staff looks forward to welcoming you into our clinic and guiding you through this new stage in your life. We’ll make sure that each step of your treatment is thoroughly explained so you don’t encounter anything unexpected.

Call or send us an email to set up an appointment time today!