- If your jaw is wired or rubber-banded shut, be gentle on the wires and don't try to realign your jaw by yourself. Should the rubber bands break, return to the orthodontist as soon as possible to have them repaired. Bring a pair of scissors or wire cutters everywhere you go so you can open your mouth in case you vomit or choke. After 6-8 weeks, your jaw should be fully healed and the wires can be removed by a professional.
- If your jaw isn't wired, don't try to eat anything solid or of substance even if you feel like you might be able to handle it with out too much pain. The chewing movement will impede the healing process of the jaw. Instead, consume only liquids, but make them count. Nutritional supplements rich in vitamins and high-protein drinks are the best thing to drink to keep your body healthy and give it the energy it needs to heal itself.
- Using compresses on the jaw will help keep the inflammation down to ease the pain and facilitate healing. For the first couple of days, use a frozen compress on your jaw 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as often as you have time. Be sure to keep a towel in between the cold compress and your skin. After the first few days, switch to warm compresses instead of cold.
