Care of Braces

Emergency

Braces are customized and precision crafted for each patient. Jaw movement and food chewing can loosen braces. Many common orthodontic “emergencies” can be handled easily at home. Please use this guide to help you with specific problems.

Wire poke

Wire poking may sometimes be due to a loosening of the ligature wires or the arch wire sticking out in the back. If it is a ligature wire you can use the eraser of a pencil or a Q-tip to tuck it under the arch wire. If it is a piece of wire sticking out, cover it with wax. If this doesn't help, please call for an appointment.

Pinch a piece of orthodontic wax,roll it into a ball.	Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation.

Wire out of tube in the back of the mouth

When you first get your braces, we usually use thin and flexible arch wires. Sometimes these wires come out of the tubes, especially when you eat sticky or hard foods. To repair, try placing the wire into the molar tube with a pair of tweezers. If this doesn't work and you are in pain try using a fingernail clipper to cut the wire behind the next attached bracket and put a wax on it. Make sure you catch the snipped piece with a piece of cotton. If this doesn't help, call for an appointment.

Broken arch wire or headgear, lost ligature wire or hook

These problems could cause the teeth to shift in the wrong direction, so they must be corrected as soon as possible. Please call for an emergency appointment

Loose band or bracket

Remember, brackets can become loose as a result of chewing on hard, sticky or chewy foods or objects as well as from physical contact from sports. If a bracket or band loosens and is still attached to the wire, usually it is not a problem, you may leave it in place. If uncomfortable, cover it with wax and call our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment to reattach the brace to the tooth. If the bracket comes out completely, bring it with you. Do not connect headgear or elastics to a loose brace.
Be sure to wear a protective mouth guard while playing sports!

Discomfort

It’s normal to have some discomfort for a couple of days after braces are first attached or adjusted. Although temporary, it can make eating uncomfortable. To minimize discomfort during this period, food should be cut up finely. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Panadol or Nurofen may be effective.
Do not worry as things will quickly improve and this will be the hardest stage of your orthodontics!

Irritation of the lips or cheeks

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth. A small amount of orthodontic wax makes an excellent buffer between the braces and lips, cheek or tongue. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. If possible, dry off the area first, as the wax will stick better. The patient may then eat more comfortably. If the wax is accidentally swallowed it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless!

Sore or ulcerated areas

Braces can rub against the soft tissues and this can be minimized or avoided by:
• Using the wax provided
• Warm salt water or anti-ulcer rinse 2-3 times per day if ulcerated.
• Keeping lips moist with vaseline or moisturizer.
• Should any rough areas persist – please call our surgery for an emergency appointment. Rubbing usually disappears after the first five days as the surrounding soft tissues adapt.

Lip or cheek gets caught on a bracket

Call our office at your earliest convenience.

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