DS is getting his braces tomorrow...

[RitaZ.]

Any tips on how to minimize the pain? I'm thinking about giving him Tylenol or Advil before we leave for the Orthod., this way he will feel less pain after they are done. We are going in first thing in the morning and it's going to take about an hour.

I remember when I had braces (27 years ago) and it was very painful. Any other suggestions for parents or kids that have gone through this recently?

 

[Aimeedyan]

Yes, have him take some Advil about 30 min prior. My ortho actually keeps Advil there for people to take in case they forget.

I would also make sure and have some soft foods in the house. I ate mashed potatos and oatmeal for several days around each tightening. Still do =)

 

[goofy4tink]

The Advil 30 minutes before works as does the soft food for a day or so. My dd had her braces on for about 1 year and then off for 1 1/2 yr. and looks like they are going back on in 3 months. Yep, we're getting pretty good at this.

 

[RitaZ.]

My dd had her braces on for about 1 year and then off for 1 1/2 yr. and looks like they are going back on in 3 months. Yep, we're getting pretty good at this.

How old is your DD and why does she need to have them again?

 

[LMC]

Don't forget to use the wax when the braces first start to rub sores! My DS got braces when he was 8yo and never got sores but I remember getting them when I wore braces. He only complained about soreness for 1 or 2 days and couldn't bite into anything so just don't have pizza the first couple of days after adjustments!

 

[amid chaos]

We found that the day after was very painful for both kids...soft foods and advil for a few days should be fine.

 

[tidoublegger]

Yup, just what everyone else said...tylenol and soft foods for a day or two! Oh and let him pick some chewy, sticky candy like skittles to have tonight because he'll have to stay away from it for a while!! Good luck!

 

[Jockaroo]

It may sound weird, but my parents recommended I do this when I had braces and it did help me.

Hold warm salt water in your mouth. Just make sure to spit. This is very soothing. It also can help sooth a sore throat.

I had my braces for three years. You are right, his mouth will be very sore afterwards. Are any of his favorite foods soft? Maybe a nice banana pudding? That would sure make me feel better! Best wishes.

 

[RitaZ.]

Hold warm salt water in your mouth.

Not weird at all, that was one of the recommendations from the Orthodontist.

It's done, he has his top braces on and he looks really cute. When we left the office, DS said that he felt pressure, not pain. We'll be doing this for the next 2 years...