So you started orthodontic treatment earlier today — congratulations! You’re one step closer to a beautiful smile. You chose your favorite type of braces, and you’re digging your new smile already.
Now you’re ready to lie down and catch some Z’s, but you’re wondering, “how do I sleep with braces? Do I have to do anything differently?”
We’ve got the answers for you! Here’s what you need to know about sleeping with braces:
How to Sleep with Braces: 3 Tips
Do you have to sleep differently with braces? Not necessarily; you don’t have to make any drastic changes to your sleeping technique to get a good night’s rest. But it’s true that you’ll likely experience some soreness in your mouth when you first start orthodontic treatment, as your teeth and gums are adjusting to your braces.
Fortunately, these are plenty of ways to minimize the discomfort and alleviate the tenderness when you sleep! Here are 3 top tips for sleeping soundly with braces.
1.Try sleeping on your back.
If you tend to sleep on your side or stomach, try sleeping on your back for a few nights. When you lay on your side and stomach, your cheeks are pressed against the pillow, which can irritate your mouth. By sleeping on your back, the contact between your braces and mouth is minimized, so your cheeks can relax without being pushed against your braces.
2. Use dental wax if needed.
Dental wax, or orthodontic wax, can come in super handy with tender cheeks or gums. Wax can be placed over any brackets or wires that tend to irritate your cheeks. Before you go to bed, simply pull off a few pieces of orthodontic wax, place them over any brackets or wire ends that need attention – or place some wax on all of your brackets – to give your cheeks some relief. While you sleep, the wax will provide a comfortable barrier between your braces and your mouth, so you can sleep soundly and wake up rested.
You don’t have to worry about swallowing any wax while you sleep too. Most brands use non-toxic, natural substances, like carnauba wax, beeswax or paraffin wax. Make sure that the brand you choose uses non-toxic ingredients, so if you dream of a juicy burger and mistake the wax for your next bite, you won’t get sick… you’ll just be a little disappointed.
3. Wear a nightguard or mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
If you’re someone who grinds your teeth at night, it may be best to wear a mouthguard when sleeping with braces. If you bite down hard enough on a bracket or wire, you could wake up feeling pretty sore and uncomfortable in the morning.
It’s best to wear a mouthguard to prevent any clenching or grinding tendencies from contributing to the soreness. If you’re in need of a mouthguard or night guard, let Dr. Jewett know at your next appointment! We’ll recommend a good mouthguard for you, or we may recommend placement of a dental product that can be used to help.
Need more tips?
If you need any more sleeping with braces tips, or you have any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Johnson City, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
