The orthodontists at Newton Center know that having braces can give you mixed feelings. On the one hand, you are excited to have your new, straight smile and want it as soon as possible! On the other hand, there is the pain and inconvenience of braces. It’s important to remember that braces are temporary and your straight smile will last a lifetime. The pain will be worse when you first get your braces put on and when the wire gets tightened. There is no way around not being able to eat hard candy or popcorn for the duration of your orthodontic treatment, but we can offer some advice about how to deal with the pain of braces.

1. Dental Wax can be used to cover up any pointy wires until you can get to your orthodontist to snip off the offending wire.
2. Oral anesthetic can be used to treat the pain of cheek or gum sores that occur as a result of braces.
3. Eating cold foods will take away some of the pain for a while the relief may be temporary, it may be enough time to give you hope that it won’t last forever, because it won’t, really.
4. Ice packs are a great help in the first week after getting braces on. Wrap your ice pack in a towel and use it for about twenty minutes before returning it to the freezer.
5. Painkillers can be helpful in the first week or so of having braces and when you have the wire tightened. Be careful to take ibuprofen with food.

If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to call us at 617.600.6413 in Newton Center and in Concord call 978.218.2580