Pain Control
Moderator: bbsadmin
I'm in pain right now after yesterday's adjustment (new powerchain lower & bracket reposition + new wire on upper to rotate a tooth) & I find about 400mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) to help the most. I don't ever take more than 800mg a day. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) just doesn't cut it & Aspirin kills my stomach. Strangely enough a little counterpressure in the sore area helps me as well (lightly pushing with a finger on the sore tooth/teeth). Hope you're feeling better soon. 



Ceramic upper & lower 2/22/06--3M Clarity
"Ever notice how instant gratification takes too long?"
Don't know about my "liver" but Tylenol has never hurt my stomach.I work at a pharmacy, and I often ask the pharmacist for pain killer advice! He says to stick with Ibuprofen, as Tylenol is very hard on our liver and stomachs. And always remember to take it with food!
I was told to drink LOTS of water when taking any medicine.
I wish I could take anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen..even with food my stomach gets upset with just one 200 mg tablet!
PS. My pain has subsided totally. I think my tooth is probably dead now...as I was in excruciating pain for several days as it protested the new archwire and now ... nothing, notta, no pain. Sure hope it doesn't act up again. I feel like its a time bomb ready to go off.


Top Braces June 2004
Bottom Braces November 2004
Debanded January 2007
Bottom Braces November 2004
Debanded January 2007
Glad to hear you're feeling better Chris.
I forgot to mention something in my last post that others who are looking into pain control might find useful.
I consulted a pharmacist shortly after I got my braces (when I was in the most extreme pain stages) and they suggested starting to alternate medications before treatment (by like 2 hours). So she recommended alternating Tylenol Fast-Acting caps, which I took after the procedure and followed up 4-6 hours later with Advil Liquigels. I found it really took the edge off my last adjustment the first day. Tomorrow is my second adjustment so I have those things set aside at work just in case I come back to the office feeling rotten. I find getting on top of the pain quickly really helps and tends to make it subside enough that you don't have to keep taking meds as long.
I forgot to mention something in my last post that others who are looking into pain control might find useful.
I consulted a pharmacist shortly after I got my braces (when I was in the most extreme pain stages) and they suggested starting to alternate medications before treatment (by like 2 hours). So she recommended alternating Tylenol Fast-Acting caps, which I took after the procedure and followed up 4-6 hours later with Advil Liquigels. I found it really took the edge off my last adjustment the first day. Tomorrow is my second adjustment so I have those things set aside at work just in case I come back to the office feeling rotten. I find getting on top of the pain quickly really helps and tends to make it subside enough that you don't have to keep taking meds as long.


This topic brought up a memory from my early "just braced days".
It was incredible how much pain that I felt during those first long days after I was braced.
I was seriously considering paging my ortho to get some stronger meds.
It was that bad.
Friends helped me work through that....
Encouraged me to stay strong (& dignified...
)
And so, advil 600 mg has been what I use in times of trouble...
It was incredible how much pain that I felt during those first long days after I was braced.
I was seriously considering paging my ortho to get some stronger meds.
It was that bad.
Friends helped me work through that....
Encouraged me to stay strong (& dignified...

And so, advil 600 mg has been what I use in times of trouble...

09/05 3m Clarity on Top
02/06 Victory Metals on Bottom
Estimated Treatment Time 18 Months
02/06 Victory Metals on Bottom
Estimated Treatment Time 18 Months
Here's another vote for Advil Liquid Gels (migraine strength) for everyday pain. 2 usually do the trick. For adjustments and days immediately after - 2 Aleve with a lot of water because of the high amount of sodium and possibly a Tums becuase the Aleve also causes indigestion in some people according to my doctor- not sure if i'm one of them, but not willing to take the chance.
Sorry to bring up such an old topic, and if I repeat, but...
My ortho suggested that I take Tylenol or Acetaminophen, because other pain relievers tend to slow tooth movement.
Now, I don't think it's that much of a difference, but on all the sheets he gave me, it always mentions Tylenol verses, say Advil.
My ortho suggested that I take Tylenol or Acetaminophen, because other pain relievers tend to slow tooth movement.
Now, I don't think it's that much of a difference, but on all the sheets he gave me, it always mentions Tylenol verses, say Advil.
I don't take anything. Right now my teeth really ache thanks to the square wire. I'm telling myself the ache is a good thing because they're moving. They still ache but I feel happier about it.

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Jun06 Lower brace on
Aug06 Root Canals completed
Mar07 Upper Brace on
July08 Braces off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!