Dentists and orthodontists are used to dealing with anxious patients. They will explain the procedure to you and help you handle your anxiety. They can also suggest ways to reduce your nervousness.
If you are more relaxed, you are less likely to be in a lot of pain. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Pause before exhaling slowly. Keep breathing slowly and steadily in a rhythm. Concentrate on this and you will be distracted from what the dentist is doing.
Choose music that is calming, rather than something jarring and energetic. Alternatively, listen to an audiobook. Bring earbuds so other patients can’t hear your music. Make a playlist ahead of time so you have enough music to last through your appointment. Some dentists or orthodontists may have televisions for you to watch during the procedure or music playing in the background to distract you. Some dentists’ offices now have 3D virtual reality glasses, which you can wear to distract and entertain yourself during your entire procedure.
Drinks that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Do drink plenty of water before your appointment. Make sure to avoid any sugary drinks or foods before your appointment too.
Ask your dentist or orthodontist to trim or adjust any wires that are poking or scraping your mouth. If it is the brackets causing discomfort, ask your dentist to apply some dental wax to reduce any scraping. Remember that it is normal for your braces to feel tight and to have some throbbing in your teeth after the procedure.
Different medications you can take include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin. Check the dosing guidelines for a schedule and amounts. Don’t exceed the number of doses in a 24-hour period as labeled on the bottle. Don’t take the medication more often than recommended. These can help take some of the aching and soreness associated with shifting teeth, but you may still experience some discomfort. Carry the painkiller with you so that you have it when needed.
Be sure to take the amount with at least one full 8 ounce glass of water. This should help to reduce any swelling and discomfort during your appointment. After your appointment, take a full dose of your chosen painkiller according to the time schedule on the bottle. Taking this on schedule for 24 hours after your appointment can help to reduce pain over the next day. Avoid using chewable tablets, since these can be difficult to chew if your teeth are already sore and they can get stuck in your braces. Painkillers in liquid form work best.
Gels like Oragel and Anbesol are examples of these products. The gel will numb any areas it contacts such as gums and teeth. Most are flavored, though they can have an unpleasant taste. Apply the gel to sore and tender areas of your mouth. Use a q-tip to apply the gel and to spread it. Try not to get the gel on your tongue; you might not feel your tongue and then bite it by accident.
Eat a soft diet for the first 24 hours after your braces are tightened. Stick to foods such as Jello, pudding, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soups and smoothies. If you must eat something that has to be chewed, cut it into small pieces to reduce the amount of chewing you have to do. Use a small spoon or fork (preferably made out of plastic or wood) while eating to avoid hitting your teeth with utensils.
Use a gel or soft ice pack. Apply this to your cheeks for 15 minutes. Drink plenty of cold water with a straw. The cold from the water will help to numb your teeth and reduce the swelling in your gums. Do not eat or drink warm substances immediately after drinking icy water; this can damage your braces and make your teeth hurt even more.
Mix a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of lukewarm water. Swish the salt water around your mouth for 60 seconds. This may sting any scrapes or sores you have from your braces at first, but will help to keep these clean and speed up healing. Do the same with any mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
Remember to brush your teeth and braces at least twice a day. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne. Sensodyne can help to reduce sensitivity and pain in your teeth due to tightened braces.
Ask your dentist or orthodontist for a supply of dental wax. You can also buy this at pharmacies. Apply a small amount of the wax to brackets and protruding wires in the morning after brushing your teeth. Remove any wax before brushing your teeth at night. Discard any used wax as it builds up bacteria. Try to sleep without dental wax on, but if you have a very troublesome wire it is ok to use this product at night. Keep your dental wax with you during the day in case you need to re-apply a small amount.
There are also fluoride gels that your dentist can apply to your teeth about twice a year. Talk to your dentist about this option if you’re concern about the sensitivity of your teeth or the possibility of getting cavities. [15] X Research source
