What should I do if my teeth and mouth are sore?
How long will the soreness last?
What should I do for a broken band or bracket?
What should I do for a sore in my mouth?
What should I do for a bracket that is poking?
What if I feel something poking at the back of my braces?
What if my "retainer" does not fit or is lost?
What if the main wire on the front of my braces comes out of a band or bracket?
What if I am having trouble turning my expander?
My teeth are loose!
What do I do if my teeth are traumatized (hit by a baseball, etc.)
My gums bleed when I brush!
What should I do if my teeth and mouth are sore?
For soreness following appointments, 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.
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How long will the soreness last?
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. Wax placed over the worst spots helps 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 following adjustments. For adults, the soreness may last a few days longer. If the problem persists, please call for an appointment so we may identify any problems.
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What should I do for a broken band or bracket?
Please call us if you notice that something 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. 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.
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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 rinses can help relieve some of the discomfort. If the problem persists, please call for an appointment so we may identify any problems.
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What should I do for a bracket that is poking?
When a bracket is poking, it is most commonly a small wire wrapped around the bracket that is sticking out. The end of this wire can be tucked back toward the bracket with the eraser end (clean) of a pencil. Sometimes a hook on a bracket can be sticking out and poking, too. This hook needs to be pushed in toward the gums. This can also be done with the eraser end of a pencil.
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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 in our office so please give us a call.
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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 fit properly. 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 fit. 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.
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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 it has popped out or we can replace it for you.
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What if I am having trouble turning my expander?
You should call for an appointment so we can make sure that you are turning it correctly and that the appliance is working properly.
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My teeth are loose!
It is impossible to move teeth without them becoming a little loose. This is a normal, physiologic response to orthodontic treatment. 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.
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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 immediately so we can make sure everything is OK.
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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. However, if the problem persists, please call for an appointment so we may identify any problems.
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