Malocclusion and Orthodontics

Medications

For tooth pain due to newly installed or adjusted braces for malocclusion, take regular doses of nonprescription pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for 3 to 5 days. One study shows that 400 mg of ibuprofen taken 1 hour before braces are adjusted and 6 hours later helps relieve pain.⁵Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 without a prescription because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious illness that can cause severe liver and brain damage.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: February 5, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics
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