Lost Separator:
Some patients lose a separator (or spacer) during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. You can also watch this YouTube video to replace it yourself with floss.
Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment:
Soon after your braces are placed, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. You can also rinse with lukewarm salt water, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Wire Irritations:
Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.
Loose Bracket:
First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.
Loose Wire:
Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.
Headgear Doesn't Fit:
If your headgear is causing pain, it's usually because it isn't being worn long enough. Please adhere to your orthodontist's instructions, and wear your headgear for the instructed amount of hours each day. If the face bow is bent, please call our office for an appointment. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
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