Metal braces are good at what they do: straightening teeth. Your new smile will be well worth the treatment, but you might experience some uncomfortable hiccups along the way. Your dentist will be more than willing to help you out, so keep their office number handy in your phone contacts.
In the meantime, there are immediate relief measures you can take to smooth things over. Keep reading to learn how to handle five of some of the most common orthodontic complications!
#1. Dental Sensitivity
Braces are designed to nudge your teeth into place by applying pressure. Needless to say, your dental nerves don’t always take too kindly to this gentle bullying. After your braces are set for the first time and likely after every tightening session, there’s a chance you’ll experience some tooth sensitivity. Go easy on yourself with a soft food diet after your orthodontic appointments, and take over-the-counter painkillers as necessary.
#2. Small Cuts and Sores
When brackets rub against your oral tissue, they can create sores. And when wires poke out at the ends, they can make small cuts on the inside of your cheeks. This is why many patients make sure to have dental wax in ample supply! Peeling off a small piece of this substance and molding it to the bothersome area will alleviate chafing until your mouth adjusts. If the problem persists, however, you might want to have your dentist look at your braces.
#3. Jaw Pain
As your teeth shift, they can put strain on your jawbone from where their dental roots connect with the bone. Like with tooth sensitivity, you can typically solve the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. If your pain gets worse, though, it’s time to call your dentist!
#4. Broken Wires
Sometimes wires break, often from simple everyday strain. Swiftly apply orthodontic wax to the damaged ends to protect your oral tissue and call up your dentist. It’s best to have the wire fixed or replaced as soon as possible, both for your comfort and to avoid getting an infection from deep cuts.
#5. Popped Brackets
Brackets don’t usually break so much as they pop. If they pop off your tooth completely, salvage the bracket and bring it to your dentist. They might be able to restore it to its rightful place. If, on the other hand, it’s still clinging to your wire, try to keep it still with orthodontic wax until your dentist can fix the issue.
Problematic braces can be annoying, but with these simple tricks and help from your dentist, you can take control of the situation. Inconvenience and discomfort won’t come between you and your dream smile!
About the Practice
At Sweet Smiles Dental Design, we’re proud to have three dental professionals, each with their own unique experiences and specialties. Dr. Alison Fitzgerald is particularly skilled with orthodontic treatments and will make sure you’re well-equipped to handle metal braces mishaps. If the problem stubbornly persists, she’ll gladly help restore your comfort! To contact our office, call 303-688-9519.