Minor problems
You can experience some minor problems during the treatment.
| Long or loose wires: Sometimes the ends of a wire can be poking the gum, tongue or inner cheeks. You can use a small flat screwdriver or the eraser end of a pencil to push it away from the area being irritated. |  |
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If this doesn't work or is too difficult you can put a small amount of orthodontic wax in the wires end covering it completely. |
If the wire has been broken between two brackets, you can put orthodontic wax in this area to keep it from hurting your gums or cheeks. |
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| Both problems must be treated in the dental office as soon as possible. So you must call the office and schedule an emergency appointment. |
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Sore teeth: Your teeth may sore the first 2 o 3 days after your dental appointment. This is because your teeth are starting to move causing minor pain in some patients. You can use non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen or homeopathic remedies like arnica to ease this discomfort and eat soft foods. If your braces are causing soreness in your jaw joints, try using a moist heat compress or a warm washcloth to apply gentle pressure to alleviate the ache. This discomfort should subside in several days. |
| Loose bands or brackets: You must call the dental office when the adhesive in the appliances breaks to schedule an emergency appointment. If the band or bracket comes off the wire you must keep it and bring it with you to the office. |
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| Lost of a separator: If your appointment is in the next 2 or 3 days, the separator doesn't needs to be replaced. But if it is in a week or more you must call the office for an emergency appointment. | |
| Lost of a Retainer: After the braces are removed, the retainer keeps your teeth in their new position. If you loose it or damage it you must call the office ASAP for an emergency appointment. This is extremely important, because teeth tend to shift back towards the original position if the retainers are not worn at all or correctly. |
