If you have had have orthodontic work done to straighten your teeth, sometimes little problems can occur that affect your comfort. Braces are not immune to damage, or defects.
You can have individual brackets break, your wires can break or stick out into your gums, your bands can become loose, etc. These devices are very effective when it comes to straightening your teeth, but they can certainly feel like an inconvenience at times.
If you do feel you are experiencing difficulties and complications with your braces, it is important that you talk to your orthodontist right away as to the issue that is taking place. They will probably ask you to come into the office, so that they can assess the problem, and address it quickly.
If the problem with your braces was caused by an injury to your face, it is important that you seek help right away. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need immediate attention or if the problem can wait until your next appointment.
Braces, bands or wires sometimes break or fall off-this is natural, and can be easily fixed. If it does occur due to chewing sticky foods, etc. do not panic-contact your orthodontist right away.
Things may come loose over time, especially the longer you have them. It can be very uncomfortable, so make sure that you get the relief you need right away.
One of the most common problems is a loose bracket. The brackets are the metal or ceramic pieces that are attached to your teeth.
They are usually attached using a material called composite resin. It is similar to the tooth-colored material used for some fillings.
If you chew something hard or sticky, such as candy, the resin can weaken or break. When that happens, a bracket can come loose, or even fall off completely.
It may poke into your gums, tongue, or cheek. This can be very painful, and can even cause little sores to occur where contact is being made.
When you first get your braces, there is a special wax that you will probably be given. You can purchase it at your local grocery store or pharmacy as well.
You can put the wax over the bracket to keep it from poking you. It softens the edge, so it is no longer painful to you-this is a temporary fix, however, and should still be addressed by a professional for long-term relief.
Next, you may encounter a loose band. Bands are the metal rings that are cemented around back teeth.
If a band becomes loose, call for an appointment to have it re-cemented or replaced. If the band comes off completely, do not try to put it back on-it is better to keep it in a safe place, and bring it with you when you see the orthodontist.
Wires are also susceptible to breaking-in fact, this problem is actually quit common. You may be able to use the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a better position.
If that does not work, put a small piece of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire-never try to cut it yourself!
A cut wire can be accidentally swallowed or inhaled, causing serious health problems. If the wire has caused a sore, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic rinse.
For salt water, use one-half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water. Rinsing will keep the area safe from infection, and can help you to feel more comfortable.
If you need a kind of numbing gel, this can also be found at your local pharmacy. Schedule an appointment for help right away, so that you do not have to deal with this issue for too long.
Broken brackets, loose bands, or protruding wires take time to repair. Sometimes your orthodontist will adjust, reposition, or reattach the existing wires or brackets.
Sometimes they may need to be replaced completely. If you do not have any discomfort and the problem will not interfere with treatment, they may have you wait until your regular appointment before you have any repair work done.
Be sure to talk to your dentist or orthodontist right away if anything does occur, to schedule any appointment for help. If you take the right steps, you can get the relief you need while ensuring that your treatment stays on course.
Ignacio Lopez has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He recommends thisoral surgeon Utah for superior treatment. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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Ignacio Lopez
IgnacioLopez09@gmail.com
http://uaoms.org
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