Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position. If that doesn’t work, cover the end with orthodontic wax and contact us promptly.
While not always an immediate emergency, a dislodged bracket should be addressed soon to avoid disruption to the treatment plan. Contact us for the next steps.
Some discomfort is normal, but if the pain is severe or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, contact us for advice and potential adjustment.
Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress. If there is significant damage to the braces or teeth, or if there’s considerable pain, seek immediate orthodontic or medical attention.
Contact us as soon as possible to discuss replacement or alternative solutions to avoid delaying your treatment progress.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew.
Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously.
An alternative (better tasting) mouthwash is the Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist. Placing Orabase on the affected area may also help relieve discomfort; Orabase can be found in a pharmacy.
If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) actually slow the tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Sometimes discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by our office. If the facebow (metal piece) is bent, please call us for assistance. The headgear should hurt less the more it’s worn, so make sure you get in the prescribed number of hours.
