Common Problems
Occasionally the following can happen when wearing a brace:-
- Brackets become loose
- The wire sticks out
- The wire breaks
- You break or lose your removable appliance.
If any of the above has happened, please don’t worry. If you can, remove the item and phone the practice during working hours. We will try to arrange an appointment to repair the problem as soon as we can.
Gums and Lips Irritated?
Brackets can irritate the lips for a few days after the brace has been put on. Make sure you use the orthodontic wax you were given by drying the bracket thoroughly and moulding the wax around the bracket. If it doesn’t stick, the bracket isn’t dry enough. Keep your lips lubricated with Vaseline or Chap Stick. Should the irritation last longer than a few days, or the wax doesn’t help, call the surgery to see if an appointment needs to be scheduled.
Tooth Ache?
When the brace is put on, pressure is applied to the teeth to gently move them into the correct position. This can cause some tenderness for a few days but the amount and duration of the tenderness is different for everyone. If your discomfort lasts more than a week, please contact the surgery.
Bleeding Gums?
Braces do not cause your gums to bleed. Not keeping your teeth and gums clean can cause gum disease which can lead to bleeding gums. Wearing braces means it is a lot harder keeping your teeth and gums clean. The secret to clean teeth and healthy gums when you have a mouth full of metal is time. It should take you nearly twice as long as the recommended 2 minutes to brush your teeth and braces. So remember, if your gums start to look red and swollen, just brush.
Wire sticking out?
Sometimes the wire can poke out the back of the brace. If this happens don’t worry. Try to bend the wire in towards the tooth so it doesn’t irritate your gums. Make sure you phone the surgery to book an appointment and we will try and fit you in as soon as we can.
Broken or lost your retainer?
If you have broken your retainer, DON’T throw it away. Make sure you keep it safe and phone the surgery as soon as you can. Likewise, if you have lost your retainer you need to phone the surgery immediately. Remember, if you are not wearing your brace it is possible that your teeth can move back to how they were. Phone us on 0161 445 4749.
