Concerns and Solutions
Minor Discomfort
It’s not uncommon to experience soreness while wearing braces, especially after the braces are first placed, or after an adjustment. This soreness usually lasts from 1 to 4 days. As a general rule, the same medications that you would take for a headache are also effective for this type of discomfort. Motrin, aspirin, and Tylenol are the typical suggestions. If the patient is under 12, please take care to follow the appropriate instructions for reduced dosage on the label.
For soft tissue irritation, the wax given to you with your braces starter kit is your first line of defense. Coating the offending bracket or wire with wax can provide immediate relief. Be sure to take wax with you on vacations or when leaving home for more than a day. Salt water rinses are also helpful. Stir 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. Rinse as often as necessary and expectorate. Topical analgesics with benzocaine are also effective. Some, such as Soothe-n-Seal, have an added ingredient that lays down a protective film while numbing the affected area.
Elastic tie comes off a bracket
This is not usually a major problem, however, if it is obvious that the tooth is suddenly moving, give the office a call.
Lost separator
If the separator is lost just 1 or 2 days before your next appointment, you should be okay. Otherwise, floss the area between the teeth where the separator was lost. If the contact is open, you should be fine. If the contact is closed, give the office a call for instructions.
Broken or poking archwire
If the broken piece of wire can be easily removed, please do so. If it has simply come out of a tube in the back of the mouth, try to reinsert it through the tube with tweezers. If an end has been bent and is poking into the cheek or gum, try cutting the wire with fingernail clippers or electrical wire cutters. Cut as close to the next bracket as possible. If the wire still pokes, and is not too long, cover the end with wax. If you are still not able to able to resolve the poke, give our office a call.
Loose band
If the band is loose and irritating your gums, please give the office a call to plan the repair. If it is possible to remove the band, please do so and bring it to your next appointment. You will also need to clip the end of the archwire as described above.
Loose bracket
You have several options with a loose bracket. If it is not an irritation, you may elect to leave it alone until your next appointment. If it is bothering you, remove the elastic tie that’s holding it to the archwire and dispose of the bracket. The tie can be removed either by picking it off with tweezers, or by cutting the tie with fine scissors.
Retainer or Headgear does not fit
If these appliances are not worn regularly as prescribed, they will not fit. Call the office immediately to set up an appointment to have it adjusted.
Loose Herbst, expander, or any appliance which is soldered to bands
Call the office to have the band(s) recemented.