How to Cope With Braces

Whether you are an adult or a teenager, the achy gums, sore cheeks, food restrictions and plain awkwardness of wearing braces can be a long and unpleasant ordeal. Thankfully, coping mechanisms have evolved, and there are many ways to get through the pain.

Instructions

• 1

  Manage the pain. The jaw pain associated with shifting teeth, the cuts and gauges from sharp brackets and the general soreness resulting from retainers, rubber bands and spacers can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Aleve or Tylenol. Chewing sugarless gum can help ease jaw pain. Your orthodontist should also give you a small container of wax to cover sharp brackets on your braces, in case they start to irritate your cheeks or lips.

• 2

  Cut food into smaller pieces. Apples, corn on the cob, celery and other hard foods that require chewing should be cut into bite-size pieces to prevent any brackets from popping off and exposing sharp wires that could poke your cheeks.

• 3

  Brush and floss frequently. Eating sugary foods without brushing soon-after can lead to white stains on your teeth. Try to brush after each meal, but at least morning, night and after eating any sticky foods (for example, chicken or raisins). Use a floss threader to floss easily.

• 4

  Show them off. Ask your orthodontist to use color-coordinating bands on your brackets. Choose your school colors, holiday colors or make a statement with neon green. Everyone sees your braces; you might as well go all out.