While undergoing orthodontic treatment, some patients may experience discomfort or issues with their appliances. These concerns generally fall into two categories:
Discomfort from Orthodontic Appliances and Braces
Occasionally, your braces or appliances might become broken, loose, or cause irritation. If this happens, here’s what you can do until you can be seen in our office.
Loose Braces or Brackets
If a bracket becomes loose, try placing orthodontic wax over it to keep it in place until your appointment. If you don’t have wax, you can carefully use tweezers to remove the colored tie and the bracket. You may dispose of the bracket, and we’ll replace it at your next visit. Rest assured, a loose bracket for a short period will not impact your smile or bite.
Poking Wires
For a wire that is poking or irritating the inside of your mouth, you can bend it with a pencil eraser or trim it with clean nail clippers. If the wire has slipped out of the back of the bracket, you can try to reposition it using tweezers. If that’s not possible, carefully cut the wire to avoid further discomfort.
Loose Appliances
If an appliance comes loose and the band slips off, try to reposition the band back over the tooth. If it won’t stay, you can use wax to hold it in place until your next visit. We’ll re-glue the band when you come in.
Please watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration on how to handle common orthodontic concerns.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
In case of a direct injury to your mouth or teeth—whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not—immediately ice the injured area to reduce swelling. Contact your general dentist or pediatric dentist as soon as possible, as an X-ray of the affected tooth may be required to assess the damage.
If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, your first call should be to your dentist, as they have the necessary materials and anesthesia to treat these types of injuries. If your orthodontic appliances are damaged or displaced, we will make any necessary adjustments or replacements after you’ve seen your dentist.
