May 18, 2022
How Do I Relieve Discomfort From Braces or Aligners?
Whether you are adjusting your smile through braces or aligners, the process of moving teeth is usually accompanied by soreness.
Sore Mouth?
Whether you are adjusting your smile through braces or aligners, the process of moving teeth is usually accompanied by soreness. Though braces and aligners are a major key in preventing complications from misaligned teeth, they can be uncomfortable at times. This discomfort is natural, but we have some tips to help relieve the soreness.
The Right Medication
Each time an adjustment to your braces or aligners is made, there may be some discomfort as the teeth and jaw move to accommodate the change. Painkillers can help relieve this discomfort, but it’s important to take the right kind. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication, and since the teeth move using an inflammatory process, ibuprofen will make movement more difficult. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, does not interfere with the process. We recommend taking a medication like Tylenol instead of ibuprofen to reduce some of the soreness braces and aligners can cause
The VPro
Besides medication, there is another tool which can offer relief. Propel Orthodontics’ VPro is a specialized device designed to increase movement and relieve discomfort at the same time. The VPro is a U-shaped wafer that is held between the teeth. As you bite down, the VPro vibrates and stimulates the ligaments around the teeth to encourage movement and reduce soreness. Not only does the VPro make braces and aligners more comfortable, but it also accelerates the smile-correcting process. This makes the VPro a particularly useful tool for both you and your orthodontist.
Come See Us
Keeping up with your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments will also help with discomfort. Your visits are scheduled in a way to keep teeth moving in a systematic fashion—this makes the overall process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Need an appointment for your braces or aligners? We would love to help you create your best smile at our office in Cary, North Carolina. Please call us at 919.460.9665 and we will be happy to help you.
