First Aid
What should I do if my teeth and mouth are sore?
We recommend you take whatever you would normally take for a headache. Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) usually works better than Tylenol because it helps control inflammation. We do not recommend the use of aspirin for children.
How long will the soreness last?
New braces cause two types of soreness. The first is the irritation of the appliances against the soft tissue of the cheeks, tongue and lips. It takes a week or so for the tissues to toughen up (like your feet if you start to walk barefoot). Wax placed over the worst spots help as well as warm salt water rinses. The second type of discomfort is caused by the movement of the teeth. This soreness typically lasts 2-4 days. For adults, the soreness may last a few days longer.
What should I do for a broken band or bracket?
Please call us if you notice part of your braces is broken. A loose band will typically move up and down. A broken bracket usually slides back and forth on the wire or spins on the wire. If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it.
Some loose bands or brackets can wait to be repaired; others need to be fixed immediately. It all depends on what stage of treatment you are currently undergoing and on which tooth the bracket is loose. We would at least like to remove the broken part so that it is not bothersome. We will always see emergency patients immediately but major repairs may require reappointment after the discomfort is resolved.
Please bring in any parts (brackets, bands, etc.) that have come off.
Loose Wire
Using a tweezers; try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened (make very sure to hang onto the piece at the end so it does not get swallowed!). If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
What should I do for a sore in my mouth?
The source of the sore first needs to be identified and repaired if possible. When you first have your braces placed, you are more likely to develop sores until your cheeks and lips toughen up.
Wax can be placed over the braces until the area heals. Other things like hydrogen peroxide or warm salt water can help relieve some of the discomfort.
What should I do for a bracket that is poking?
When a bracket is poking, it is most commonly a small wire that is wrapped around the bracket that is sticking out. The end of this wire can be tucked back toward the bracket with the eraser end of a pencil. Sometimes a hook on a bracket can be sticking out and poking, too. This hook needs to be pushed in towards the gums. This can also be done with the eraser end of a pencil.
What if I feel something poking at the back of my braces?
When something is poking in back, it is usually a wire that is long and is coming out of the last band or bracket. This most often happens with a light initial wire at the start of treatment that can slide around or during space closure when the extra wire slides out the back tube. This wire needs to be cut by our office so please give us a call. In the mean time try putting wax on it.
What should I do if the wire on the inside of my mouth comes out of the band?
This wire called a lingual arch can come out of its tube on the band. It needs to be placed back in the tube by our office.
What should I do if the inside wire is stuck in the roof of my mouth?
This wire can be grabbed and gently pulled away from the palate. If you have trouble doing this, let us know so we can take care of it.
What if my “retainer” does not fit or is lost?
“Retainers” may not fit properly for many reasons. If the ”retainer” is not worn regularly, the teeth can shift so that the retainer will not go to place. A primary or baby tooth that is loose or lost can affect the fit of the “retainer”. A “retainer” can be bent or distorted if dropped, stepped on, etc. so that it will not seat. Our office needs to adjust the “retainer” so that it will fit, to make any necessary repairs, or to take a new impression to remake the appliance if that is what is needed. Teeth can move quickly so retainers that do not fit or are lost need to be replaced/repaired as soon as possible to prevent adverse tooth movement.
What if the main wire on the front of my braces comes out of a band or bracket?
It is not uncommon for the wires that are first placed when your braces go on to pop out of a band or bracket. These wires are very flexible and can be easily pulled out. Sometimes the little “O”rings come off and need to be replaced. You can try placing the wire back in yourself if you can identify where is has popped out or we can replace it for you.
What if I am having trouble turning my expander?
Often the reason was the wheel was not turned all the way to the stop or was slightly unwound when the key was removed. When this happens the next hole is not available for turning. If possible try to get the key into the back hole and turn it all the way until you hit the stop….this will allow the next hole to move into its proper position so that you can give it the next turn. We should see you if you are unsure about turning or are having trouble turning your expander. We want to make sure that you are turning it correctly and that the appliance is working correctly.
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 if it’s worn more, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
What if my headgear will not stay in while I am sleeping?
If the headgear is coming apart in your mouth, it needs to be tightened by moving up a hole on your strap.
If the headgear is coming apart at the strap (safety release), it is too tight. You should move down a hole on your strap.
My teeth are loose!
It is impossible to move teeth without getting them a little loose. After they reach their final position the bone around them solidifies and they tighten up. Only teeth that appear excessively loose need to be checked by the doctor.
What do I do if my teeth are traumatized (hit by a baseball, etc.)
If the teeth are sore, the wire appears bent, brackets are loose, or the teeth appear to have moved please come in to see us so we can make sure everything is OK.
My gums bleed when I brush!
Poor brushing causes your gums to swell up and bleed (an infection called gingivitis). Bleeding means you need to brush more and better! After the gums regain their health they will no longer be sore or bleed