Common Braces Problems and Best Ways to Fix Them

Today’s braces are designed to be comfortable and durable, but sometimes issues can arise during treatment that cause discomfort. How do you deal with a poking wire, a loose bracket, or a spot on your braces that may be irritating your cheek?

Issues with braces are usually temporary, but they should be addressed promptly. There are things you can do at home to manage some issues or help protect your braces until you can see us for repairs.

Ohana Orthodontics is here anytime you have a braces issue or a braces emergency in Canby, OR. Here are a few tips for dealing with common concerns about braces during treatment.

What do you do with sore teeth from braces? Your teeth may feel sore after your braces are first placed and after each adjustment. The soreness may last 3–4 days after placement and 1–2 days after adjustments.

This is common during treatment. Your teeth begin to move when braces are placed, and adjustments continue the process. Some temporary soreness can be expected.

There are several ways to help relieve soreness in your teeth and jaws. You can rinse with warm salt water a couple of times a day to help soothe irritated tissues.

You can also use a cold compress to help reduce discomfort and swelling. If needed, you may consider an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label.

We also recommend sticking to softer foods while your teeth are sore. Protein shakes, mashed potatoes, pasta, cooked oatmeal, and soup can give your teeth time to adjust.

The soreness should improve after a few days. If your teeth and gums are still sore after about a week, contact Ohana Orthodontics. We may recommend an evaluation to determine if anything else is contributing to the discomfort.

Brackets are attached to your teeth using a dental bonding material. However, brackets can occasionally become loose or detach. This may happen due to certain foods, an accidental bump, or other factors.

If this happens, we can repair it. In the meantime, you can place orthodontic wax over the loose or detached bracket to help protect the area until your appointment.

In many cases, the archwire and elastics will continue to hold the bracket in place, even if it has detached from the tooth. If the bracket comes off completely, it is generally made from materials designed to pass through the digestive system if swallowed.

If you believe a bracket has been inhaled (which is rare), seek medical care right away.

Contact us as soon as you notice a loose or detached bracket so we can schedule a repair.

One of the most helpful tools during braces treatment is orthodontic wax. It is nontoxic and easy to apply.

Place dental wax over any areas that are irritating your mouth, such as a poking wire or a bracket causing a sore spot.

You may notice a wire at the back of your mouth as your teeth move and the archwire shifts slightly. This can be adjusted or trimmed at your next appointment.

If you have a broken or displaced wire, cover it with wax and contact us so we can arrange a repair.

It’s also common to have some irritation when you first get braces. Over time, your mouth will adjust, and these areas typically become less sensitive.

Until then, orthodontic wax can help make treatment more comfortable.

Braces elastics are small bands that help hold the archwire in place. They also come in different colors, allowing for some customization.

If an elastic comes off, the remaining elastics will often continue to hold the archwire in place. If several come off, contact us so we can help determine next steps.

In the meantime, you can place wax over the bracket to help protect the area.

Rubber bands (also called elastics) are used differently and are typically worn between brackets to help guide bite alignment.

If a rubber band hook becomes bent, let us know so we can repair or replace it. If a rubber band is accidentally swallowed, it will typically pass through the digestive system without issue.

It’s best not to eat while wearing rubber bands, as this can reduce the chance of swallowing one.

It’s also best to discard rubber bands and wax after use rather than reusing them.

Most people will sail through their braces treatment with little to no problems. If you do have issues, however, Ohana Orthodontics in Canby, OR, is here for you. 

If you have a braces emergency in Canby, OR, schedule an appointment with Ohana Orthodontics. We can take care of you and your smile!