Hi all. I just got braces on this morning, but am not new to dental problems - I've had 4 jaw surgeries, wwhich is why I need braces because they all changed my bite. So, tonight I'm in horrible pain, which I guess is normal. One thing that is bothering me is that I can't close my teeth together at all because my top teeth hit the bottom brackets and that's the only place my teeth touch. Is that normal? They said to expect it a little until my teeth start to shift a little. Also, is there anything good for dealing with the pain of new braces? Eating ice cream helps by numbing the teeth. Unfortunately I can't just sit around all day eating ice cream, now can I?!

Thanks!

Take advil or ibuprofen for the pain, it has an anti-inflammatory drug in it which will help with any swelling. Your diet needs to consist of soft foods, which is all you can probably handle right now anyway because of the pain. You may possibly knock a bracket loose when you do eat if your top teeth are touching you lower brackets, this is not uncommon. Right now there isn't a lot you can do but be patient. Good Luck!

Hi,

I had fixed braces around four or five years ago, and it was the most painful time of my life so far. I had to have four teeth extracted and a device on the roof of my mouth to widen my jaw. The first few visits to the orthodontist to get them tightened and checked are the worst, and the pain often lasts for a few days, making it difficult to eat.

I took plenty of ibuprofen and wrapped a hot water bottle in a towel and gently placed it on my face where the pain was bad. Try not to close your mouth, as this seemed to hurt a lot more, especially during the first few tightenings.

Eventually, the pain becomes bareable, lasting for only a day or two. So, I think the thing that worked best for me was plenty of ibuprofen (make sure you don't miss a dose), hot water bottles and compresses, and soft foods. I found heat better than cold, since that made my teeth ache.

Hope your braces get better soon.

Helen.