Braces: Common Problems And Quick Fixes

Posted on Jan 15, 2015

Braces: Common Problems And Quick Fixes

Some problems with braces can have you waiting until your next appointment with Richmond orthodontist HGS Ortho, while other issues may require you to call us so that we can try to squeeze you in for a quick appointment to fix the problem. Keeping a few home remedies in mind for easily solvable common braces issues as well as recognizing when you’ll need to contact HGS Ortho, can help you know what to do if you have a problem.

If the ends of your braces’ wires become loose from your teeth shifting, they may cause irritation in your mouth. The first thing to try is a cotton swab. Most often, placing one end of a cotton swab against the loosened wire to move it back can help keep it from irritating your mouth. If this isn’t successful in helping you solve this common braces problem, you could try using tweezers to gently grasp and move the wire back in place. If the wire is still protruding uncomfortably, place a pea-sized ball of cotton or wax at the wire’s end to keep it from causing you further mouth irritation. If your loose braces’ wire problem persists, call the receptionist at HGS Ortho to make an appointment.

If an elastic on your braces breaks,  call our Port Coquitlam orthodontic office to see if we need to have you come in to have it quickly replaced or wait until your next appointment to replace it. In the case of a broken bracket, which commonly occurs if the braces are played with or if the bracket catches on hard or sticky foods, you can usually just bring it to your next appointment at HGS Ortho. If, however, a loose bracket is still attached to your braces, you can try covering it with wax paper to make it feel more comfortable. It’s important to remember not to use headgear with loose brackets. If a band becomes unglued from your braces, save the band and call our office so that you can come in for a quick recementing before the space for the band closes up. If you experience any pain or discomfort due to any braces problems, contact HGS Ortho immediately.