Common Orthodontic Problems, Poking Wire, Wax Placement, Wire Cutting

If you have ever underwent a true orthodontic treatment, you understand the care required to maintain them. Braces, headgear, retainers, and aligners are just some of the popular orthodontic appliances today. Given the nature of your orthodontic issue, you might use a different device as treatment. Because of that, your treatment plan may cause a greater need for orthodontic care.

Today, let’s answer the most common orthodontic care questions as well as when it is wise to seek help.

Direct injury to mouth or teeth, face swelling, or severe pain

If you experience a major direct injury to the mouth or teeth (fall and break your front teeth), face swelling, or severe pain due to wire or appliance ulcerating the gums that cannot be solved with home remedies, you need to ask for medical help. Here, you can call and make an appointment with your regular dentist or orthodontist near me if you are currently in treatment. If there is not the option of seeing them right away, then you should go to the emergency room instead.

Orthodontic Appliances Problems

Today, there is an array of orthodontic tools which can provide excellent treatment. But, as with everything else, orthodontic appliances can, too, break or become distorted. Although, those problems occur and can be uncomfortable, they are not considered true orthodontic emergencies and normally can wait until next appointment:

• You lose a braces elastic band – bands serve to keep the braces working at all times, and are easily replaced. This is often one of the most common issues for seeking orthodontic care.
• A loose bracket – brackets are usually attached to the teeth, and as patient eat not recommended hard foods, the bracket loosens. Should that happen, get it replaced at the next appointment and make sure all other brackets are firmly positioned on the teeth.
• Poking wires – most braces have supporting wires which apply pressure on the teeth and keep them moving. Sometimes, or as the teeth move, the wires move as well. In many cases, the wire can poke out the braces, causing irritation or pain the gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. Also, habits like chewing on hard objects like pens and pencils can impact the wire position, too.

Most orthodontic offices will provide you orthodontic care by scheduling extra time for your next orthodontic appointment. In case you are having an orthodontic problem, it is best to try to handle it at home first.

Soreness in the mouth

All orthodontic treatments will eventually cause some degree of discomfort. Mostly, you will notice a slight pain or tenderness when biting, chewing. Typically, these symptoms are initial and will likely go away. Sure, if you are feeling uncomfortable and uneasy, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist for a milder sedative.

Other areas in which you may experience soreness include the cheeks and the lips. Know that the cavity will need some time to get used to the braces, so let it.

What can you do in the meantime?

You can still help yourself with common orthodontic issues. Here are a few useful tips to serve you:

• Try eating softer foods in the first week of orthodontic treatment. Eggs, rice, yogurt, and mashed potatoes make soft dishes for the first days of wearing an appliance. Avoid chewy and sticky products, by eating foods that don’t make your teeth work harder than necessary. Also, keep cold foods away for a while. Ice creams, icicles, and iced drinks may cause excessive sensitivity in the teeth and gums.
• Occupy your mind with something else. Instead of thinking about the discomfort you’re having, try avoiding it. Spend your first days of treatment relaxing or doing an activity you like – swim, paint, cook…the choices are limitless.
• Meds – milder over the counter pain reliever can help you manage the uneasiness you feel. Take an Tylenol as something to help you kick off the pain, but keep its use moderate per manufacturer instruction.

What if my appliance becomes loose?

If you have orthodontic metal bands and the appliance becomes lose, remove it and bring it to your next orthodontic appointment. If the appliance is still attached, place a bit of orthodontic wax on the loose end of the device or polish it gently with clean nail file until is more comfortable. The wax makes the wires smoother, so it will keep you more comfortable until you get proper orthodontic care.

What if I have loose brackets?

Make sure to notice whether the bracket is still attached to the wire. If this is the case, let it be and wax it for the time being or remove it completely. If it is detached, warp and save the bracket for your orthodontic care appointment.

What if my wire becomes loose?

This is where tweezers become your best friend. Use tweezers to reattach the wire in its respective place. If you cannot reach the wire with tweezers, try using wax to alleviate the pain. If that doesn’t work as well, take a small fingernail/cuticle clipper and cut the wire at the lose end to get comfortable. Press it in if needed by using a pencil eraser and wait for your appointment.

What if my teeth feel loose or moving?

Actually, this is exactly what the treatment does. It moves the teeth around so they fall into their corresponding place. As the teeth move, you might feel they are looser, but they will be once again settled after finding their suitable place.

To prevent discomforts during teeth movement, try to use warm water and rinse the mouth. Combine 1 teaspoonful salt and 8 oz. water. Mix well and rinse the mouth for 30 seconds. Also, apply a warm cloth on the painful area before going to sleep.

For any other questions or to schedule an appointment, please call our office – we got your back!