Here are some common problems that might arise while wearing braces and tips on how to handle them.

Sore Teeth
Sore teeth after a visit can be handled with over the counter pain medication. Warm salt water rinses, heating pads, or warm wash cloths can counteract jaw soreness as you adjust to braces.

Wire Irritation
Wire irritation is a common problem. You can use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to move the wire away from the irritation. If that doesn’t work, you can cover the end of the errant wire with some cotton or wax. If the wire continues to cause pain, sterilized nail clippers or a pair of scissors in alcohol and then cut the wire.

Loose Brackets
Loose brackets or problems with the main wire need immediate attention, so call our orthodontic office if such a problem develops. If you must, you can cut the wire using sterilized fingernail clippers and then slide the bracket off. Make sure to schedule an appointment for repairs as soon as possible. Loss of a separator is common. If this happens, call our office to find out whether or not it needs to be replaced.