If you have braces then odds are that you’ve experienced some slight discomfort along the way. Whether you have traditional metal braces or clear aligners, there’s typically a feeling of tightness after an adjustment appointment or when you put in a new set of aligners for the first time. What if there was a way to get that beautiful straight smile you’ve dreamt of with little to no discomfort? Sounds good right? Well we have 7 tips to help you ease orthodontic discomfort whether you have braces or aligners.

1. Try AcceleDent Aura! This amazing hands-complimentary device is quoted as being a “best friend on adjustment day”. The gentle microvibrations of the device help to lessen discomfort after an adjustment or when inserting new aligners. Plus, an added bonus is that it can shorten your orthodontic treatment time by as much as 50% when used for just 20 minutes a day. For more information on AcceleDent and to watch a video on how it works click here.
2. Change into your new set of aligners before going to sleep at night. The tightness of the new aligners should be gone by the morning when you wake up.
3. Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to your adjustment appointments, if you typically experience discomfort afterwards. (This is especially helpful the day your braces are put on.)
4. Eat soft foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup or ice cream after adjustment appointments to ease any discomfort.
5. Use orthodontic wax to cover any areas of your braces/wires that are causing irritation to your lips and/or cheeks until you’re able to get used to having your braces on. 
6. On occasion, there is a jagged edge on clear aligners which can be uncomfortable. If this occurs, you can use an emery board to file any edges causing irritation.
7. If you have a protruding wire causing irritation, you can use a Q-tip or clean pencil eraser to push it flat against your teeth until you’re able to visit your orthodontist to have it fixed.

Hopefully these tips help ease any discomfort or irritation you’re having with your braces or aligners. Just remember the lifetime benefit will be having a healthy beautiful smile!