Orthodontic treatments, like braces or aligners, are great for making your smile look better. Sometimes, while you’re getting treated, unexpected problems can pop up, like a loose wire or a bracket that’s come off.
These issues can be annoying and a bit uncomfortable, but don’t worry—most of the time, they can be fixed easily at home until you can see your orthodontist. In this post, we will talk about common problems that might happen with your braces or aligners and show you that there’s usually a quick fix to help you feel better.
Loose or Broken Brackets
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic attachments that are bonded to each tooth, serving as anchors for the wires that guide teeth into position. When a bracket becomes loose or breaks, it can disrupt the progress of orthodontic treatment and may cause discomfort or injury to the inside of your mouth.
Several factors can contribute to a bracket becoming loose or breaking. Common causes include eating hard or sticky foods, injuries to the mouth, improper care of braces, or the natural process of teeth moving which can sometimes lead to a bracket detaching from the tooth surface.
Immediate steps to take:
- Assess the Damage: Determine if the bracket is still partially attached to the wire or if it has completely come off. If it’s still attached, try to leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation to the inside of your mouth.
- Diet Adjustments: Avoid hard and sticky foods that can cause further damage. Opt for soft foods until you can see your orthodontist.
- Pain Management: If the loose bracket causes discomfort, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended.
Wire Irritations or Injuries
One of the common issues patients face during orthodontic treatment is irritation or injury caused by the wires of their braces. These wires are crucial for guiding teeth into their correct positions, but when they become misaligned or break, they can poke and irritate the cheeks, gums, or tongue, leading to discomfort or even sores.
Wire irritations typically occur when a wire comes loose and protrudes out of place, often as a result of physical impact, eating hard foods, or natural movement of teeth during the treatment process. Additionally, as teeth shift, wires that were once a perfect fit can extend beyond the back bracket, creating a poking hazard.
Immediate steps to take:
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Applying a small ball of orthodontic wax to the protruding end of the wire can provide a temporary buffer between the wire and the soft tissues of your mouth, reducing irritation.
- Attempt a Temporary Fix: If possible and safe, use the eraser end of a pencil or a clean spoon to gently push the offending wire flat against the tooth. Only attempt this if it can be done without causing further discomfort or damage.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keep the area clean to prevent infection, especially if there are any sores or cuts. Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe irritation and expedite healing.
Lost or Broken Aligners/Retainers
Aligners and retainers are integral components of orthodontic treatment, helping to correct and maintain tooth alignment. However, they can sometimes become lost or damaged, potentially interrupting treatment progress and leading to setbacks in achieving your desired smile.
When aligners or retainers are lost or broken, it directly impacts the continuity of your treatment. Aligners are designed to be worn in a specific sequence to gradually move teeth into place, and each set is custom-made for specific stages of your treatment. Similarly, retainers are essential for maintaining the results achieved through braces or aligners, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Immediate steps to take:
- Search Thoroughly: If an aligner or retainer is lost, search immediately in common areas where it may have been placed, such as near a bathroom sink, in a purse or bag, or in its case if you have a routine of storing it.
- Use a Previous Set of Aligners: If you are undergoing treatment with aligners and have lost a current set, wearing a previous set (if available) can serve as a temporary measure to prevent major shifts in your teeth until you can get a replacement.
- Avoid DIY Fixes: If your retainer or aligner is broken, avoid attempting to fix it yourself. Improper repairs can lead to incorrect fit and ineffective treatment or further damage.
Swelling or Infection Signs
Orthodontic treatments can sometimes lead to complications such as swelling or signs of infection in the mouth, which require prompt attention to prevent further health issues. It’s essential for patients undergoing any orthodontic treatment to recognize these signs early and understand the steps to take for a quick resolution.
Identifying signs of swelling or infection:
Swelling or infection in the mouth can manifest in several ways, including:
- Unusual redness or swelling around the gums, teeth, or jaw.
- Persistent pain or discomfort that does not subside with standard pain management techniques.
- The presence of pus or a foul taste in the mouth, indicating a possible abscess.
- Increased sensitivity or discomfort when biting down or applying pressure to a specific area.
- Fever or general malaise, which could indicate the body is fighting an infection.
Immediate steps to take:
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping the area clean is crucial. Continue brushing gently around the affected area and consider using a saline rinse to reduce bacteria.
- Cold Compress: For external swelling on the face or jaw, a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could further irritate the affected area.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
While it’s not possible to prevent every orthodontic emergency, there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing one. Here are practical tips to help you minimize risks and maintain the integrity of your orthodontic appliances, ensuring a smoother treatment journey.
- Regular Cleaning: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean around braces and under wires effectively.
- Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce the risk of infections by eliminating harmful bacteria around your braces or aligners.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Hard foods can break brackets and wires, while sticky foods can get caught and pull on them. Stick to softer foods and cut hard foods into small, manageable pieces.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: These can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion, especially around brackets and under aligners.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you’re involved in sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your braces and your mouth from injury. Ask your orthodontist about custom mouthguards that fit over braces.
- Proper Use and Storage: Always remove aligners as instructed when eating or cleaning them. Store them in their protective case to avoid loss or damage.
- Don’t DIY Adjustments: Never attempt to adjust your braces or appliances yourself. If something feels off, contact your orthodontist.
- Keep Your Appointments: Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial for adjusting your treatment and checking for potential issues before they turn into emergencies.
- Report Issues Promptly: If you notice any signs of damage or discomfort, inform your orthodontist immediately, even if your next scheduled appointment is not soon.
- Know Basic Fixes: Familiarize yourself with how to apply orthodontic wax to protruding wires or brackets and other temporary solutions to common problems as mentioned in this post.
- Emergency Kit: Keep a small orthodontic emergency kit on hand. Include orthodontic wax, a pencil with an eraser (to push in protruding wires), sterile tweezers, and gauze.
Prevention is key to a smooth and successful orthodontic treatment. By taking proactive steps to care for your teeth and orthodontic appliances, you can minimize the risk of emergencies and keep your treatment on track towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile.
When to See an Orthodontist
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces and aligners, are designed to improve your smile and oral health. However, the journey includes more than just regular adjustments; it’s essential to know when additional visits to the orthodontist are necessary to ensure everything progresses smoothly.
If you find yourself experiencing severe or persistent pain that over-the-counter medications cannot alleviate, or if the discomfort lasts several days, it’s time to consult your orthodontist. Orthodontic discomfort should be temporary, and significant pain could indicate an underlying issue that needs professional attention.
Similarly, any problems with the hardware of your braces—like loose, broken, or missing brackets, bands, or wires—require an immediate visit to your orthodontist. These issues can interrupt the progress of your treatment and may even lead to injuries if not addressed promptly.
If you’re using aligners or retainers and they become lost, broken, or no longer fit correctly, it’s crucial to see your orthodontist. Ill-fitting appliances can hinder your treatment progress and may need to be replaced or adjusted.
Pay attention to any signs of infection around your gums, teeth, or orthodontic appliances, such as swelling, excessive redness, or pus. These symptoms should be promptly addressed by your orthodontist to prevent further complications. Difficulty eating or speaking clearly due to your orthodontic treatment may also indicate that an adjustment is necessary.
It’s important to inform your orthodontist if you’re planning to undergo any dental procedures with another provider, such as tooth extractions, fillings, or implants. A visit after such procedures can ensure your orthodontic treatment aligns with any changes in your dental health. Additionally, maintaining your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments allows your orthodontist to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and catch potential issues early.
In preparation for an emergency visit, be ready to describe the issue you’re experiencing in detail, and if possible, send pictures ahead of your appointment. If a part of your appliance has come off, bring it to your appointment if you can. Also, practicing good oral hygiene before your visit can facilitate an easier examination.
Understanding when to seek additional care from your orthodontist can prevent minor issues from turning into major complications, keeping your treatment on the right path toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.