Common Orthodontic Problems

What you can do about them…

Poking wires? Use your wax, then:

1. Look in your mouth. Can you see what is poking?

Usually a wire has twisted or tooth movement (which is good) has caused the wire to poke out the end of a tube. If the arch wire is out of the tube, it just needs to be clipped by us.

If it is a metal tie around the brace that has twisted, use a fingernail or a pencil eraser to push it close to the brace and relieve the poking.

2. Call for a comfort check if you cannot bend it in yourself and,
3. Put some wax over the wire to temporarily relieve the discomfort.

Sore teeth? Normal after any change in force.

1. Rinse with warm water, eat a soft diet, take Advil, or aspirin.
2. Chewing on the sore teeth may be more sore in the short term but feel better faster.
3. If pain persists more than a few days, call for a comfort appointment.

Loose bracket or lost tie?

1. Don’t worry. You won’t lose time or fall apart. If you are able, remove the plastic tie, slide the bracket out between the wire and your tooth and remove it. It will be more comfortable.
2. Call for a comfort appointment.  Please bring in the broken pieces!

Loose or broken hook for elastic?

1. Stop wearing all removable elastics (rubber bands).
2. Call for a comfort appointment.

Very loose tooth?

1. Some loosening is expected; teeth move by temporarily enlarging the tooth sockets.
2. If one or two teeth seem excessively loose, call me right away. Check to see if a wire is broken. This is the most common cause. Stop wearing any removable elastics.

Emergency Phone Help

If for some reason you can’t contact us, call any orthodontist. We’re glad to help each other. Keep our phone number with you and have the orthodontist call us if there are any questions. Then be sure you tell us what the problem was and what was done.