How to Manage Pain and Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces and other appliances to correct the alignment of the teeth. Braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth, which gradually moves them toward their ideal positions. Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of your smile, as well as your overall dental health. Our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, explain how to manage pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment.

Explain Your Treatment Plan

When a patient comes in for orthodontic treatment, we will go over their treatment plan in detail with them. While we will try to minimize pain as much as possible, there will be some discomfort that the patient will experience. By explaining the entire treatment process to them, they will know what to expect at every step. This can help reduce any anxiety or fear they might have about the procedure overall. It can also decrease the likelihood that they will experience any unnecessary discomfort during the stages of treatment.

Get the Best Orthodontic Work Done

When you work with an experienced orthodontist, they will be able to properly evaluate your unique orthodontic needs and help you determine what treatment is right. Although every treatment plan should be customized to meet your needs, there are a few general tips you can use to help minimize pain during your orthodontic treatment. 

1) Speak with your orthodontist about pain management strategies. When you are checking in for your first appointment, be sure to discuss any pain you might be experiencing. Your doctor will likely have a number of suggestions to help you manage your discomfort. For example, they may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication or recommend some lifestyle changes that can help your symptoms. 

2) Follow all instructions given to you by your dentist. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re healing properly and that you won’t experience unnecessary pain or complications during treatment. Some patients find that they experience more pain and discomfort when their braces are broken than normal. Keeping up with wearing your rubber bands, removing your elastic ties, and cleaning your teeth as directed by your doctor will help ensure that your pain is under control. 

3) Practice good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits are essential to managing pain and infection during orthodontic treatment. Your teeth will be more prone to decay while you have braces, so you’ll want to make sure you are brushing at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day to keep your teeth as clean as possible. In addition to avoiding cavities, it is also important that you practice good oral hygiene to prevent inflammation of your cheeks and gums. Inflammation of these soft tissue areas can cause a significant amount of discomfort during the treatment process, so be sure to brush gently and floss carefully every day. 

Get in touch with Carroll Orthodontics at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870, or call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.