Any idea's for relieving gum irritation with new braces?

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#1 Post by **Maureen721** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:28 am

Would love to hear from any one out there that has good idea's for how to relieve severe irritation from new braces. Just got them on two days ago (on day three) and the left inside cheek is so raw. Have already used up over half of my first wax supply (small container) and thinking is this going to stop anytime soon!! Eating ok and pain overall subsiding. Got out on the internet and found a few products that are made out of silicone that seem to fit over the brackets but they don't recommend sleeping in them for choking hazard. That's when I would need it the most (I am guessing). Still glad that I took the step to get braces as an adult (wore them as a teenager back in the days when they were full metal brackets). It took me over 2 years to finally go forward and have them put on. Seriously, I went to every Orthodontist in our area for a consultation before making a decision. Send help soon! Thanks

#2 Post by **bracedincanada** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:09 am

Hi Maureen, congrats on your new braces! I'm now ten days into the journey myself. I found that the worst of the irritation was over the first 4-5 days (I went through a ton of wax in that time), but after that it has definitely gotten better, I now only put wax on 2 of my brackets.

If you find yourself running low on wax give your ortho a call and see if you can pop by the office to pick up some more or if they could mail it out to you. From what I have heard from friends of mine who have had braces and from others on AW most orthos are pretty good about giving you more wax when you need it (when I left my ortho's office he gave me enough wax to rival Madam Tussaud so I don't think I'll be needing to ask for more for some time).

#3 Post by **sarahintx** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 4:42 pm

I've had my braces for three weeks now. At first I had a couple of places that got real sore and I had to use wax for a couple of days. Plus my tongue was raw from rubbing on my expander. They told me to use salt water. It makes your mouth tougher and less irritable. I used it after every meal for about 2 weeks. Now I don't use anything! Give it a try.