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Troubleshooting Common Orthodontic Issues
Quick fixes for common issues during orthodontic treatment.
Discomfort
It’s normal for you to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted, but it can make eating uncomfortable.
This discomfort is very normal and only for a short time. Try eating soft foods and rinse the mouth with warm saltwater.
Irritated Lips and Cheeks
Sometimes new braces can irritate your mouth, especially when you're eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between the metal and your mouth.Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation.Then, you can eat more comfortably. If you accidentally swallow the wax, it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.
Mouth Sores
You may be susceptible to mouth sores. While your braces don’t cause them, they may be made worse by irritation from braces.If one or several areas of sores may appear on the cheeks, lips or tongue. This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for you.Get quick relief by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the area with sores using a cotton swab. You can reapply as needed.
Protruding Wires
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate your mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth.
If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritated lips or cheeks above for instructions on applying relief wax.)
Make an appointment to see Dr. Francis and the Decatur Orthodontic Team. In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome, and you can't see Dr. Francis anytime soon, you may, as a last resort, clip the wire.
Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.
Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands
If your braces come loose in any way, call Decatur Orthodontics to determine the next steps.
Brackets are the parts of braces attached to your teeth, generally positioned in the center of each tooth. The bracket can be knocked off if you've eaten hard or crunchy foods that you’ve been instructed to avoid, or if your mouth is struck while at play or accidentally.
We encourage all patients, especially those with braces, to wear a protective mouthguard while playing sports.
If the bracket is off-center, the adhesive may have failed. In this instance, it’s best to immediately notify Dr. Francis and his team, who will determine the course of action.
If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out, and you are unable to be seen immediately, you can use sterile tweezers to slide the bracket along the wire until it is between two teeth. This will alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage until you are able to be seen by the Decatur Orthodontics Team at the practice. In the meantime, take care to prevent swallowing the bracket or receiving another injury.
Ligatures Coming Off
Tiny rubber bands or small, fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers.
If your wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, you can bend it back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser so it doesn’t irritate your lip. Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow.
Be sure to examine all your ligatures. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of Dr. Francis. If a rubber or wire ligature is lost, tell Dr. Francis so he can advise whether you should be seen.
Food Caught Between your Teeth
This isn’t an emergency, but it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. It’s easily fixed with a piece of dental floss.
Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between your teeth and your braces.
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