Common Orthodontic Issues & How To Deal With Them
Loose Wire or Band
A wire or a band occasionally can come loose. If a wire is protruding and is irritating the mouth a blunt instrument (e.g. the rubber at the end of a pencil) can be used to gently push the wire under the archwire. If the irritation is still occurring, wax or wet cotton can be placed on the wire to limit the annoyance. Make an appointment with our office so that we can check and repair the appliance.
If a part of the appliance comes off, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
Loose Bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
General Soreness
When you get your braces put on, you may feel a general soreness in your mouth and teeth may feel slightly tender for one to four days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or the pain reliever you would normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Headgear Does Not Fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less as it’s worn more, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
Loose Wire or Band
A wire or a band occasionally can come loose. If a wire is protruding and is irritating the mouth a blunt instrument (e.g. the rubber at the end of a pencil) can be used to gently push the wire under the archwire. If the irritation is still occurring, wax or wet cotton can be placed on the wire to limit the annoyance. Make an appointment with our office so that we can check and repair the appliance.
If a part of the appliance comes off, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
Loose Bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
General Soreness
When you get your braces put on, you may feel a general soreness in your mouth and teeth may feel slightly tender for one to four days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or the pain reliever you would normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Headgear Does Not Fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less as it’s worn more, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
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