Undergoing orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces is an exciting process — you’ve chosen a reliable, tried-and-true method that promises to give you the perfect smile! After starting your treatment, you should be aware of some of the most common issues that patients experience with braces. Our Richmond, VA, braces provider explains some common problems and how you can deal with them.
Sore Teeth
This is a common occurrence after having your braces put on, as pressure is being exerted on your teeth by the brackets and wires. It will also occur for a couple hours after an adjustment, but should subside. If you have specific tender spots, you can rinse with warm saltwater to help relieve the pain. If the pain persists, try a numbing agent such as Orajel to numb the pain, or a pain reliever such as ibuprofen. However, you should be feeling back to normal in a few hours!
Loose or Broken Bracket
Brackets can break or become loose when biting into hard foods. It’s possible for the bracket to fall off completely, regardless of how well it was affixed to your tooth. This isn’t harmful, but you will need to visit our orthodontist to have it put back on or replaced as soon as possible. Prevent broken brackets by avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods!
Poking Wire or Hook
Wires occasionally shift out of place and end up poking the cheek or gums. You can try to put the wire back into its original position, or apply wax to the wire to prevent it from poking you. If you are unable to fix the poking wire or it causes severe soreness, contact our orthodontist immediately.
Following these steps should help you have the best braces experience possible. If you have any of the above problems or have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
Contact Our Richmond, VA, Braces Provider To Schedule An Appointment!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact White Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office for braces or Invisalign in Richmond, VA, by clicking here or by calling 804.715.1998.