Prescription for Handling Orthodontic Problems
Can You Take Care of It?
Before calling with a problem, ask yourself: Is this an emergency? True emergencies are rare. Spend a few moments learning about your appliance and how to solve small problems.
What You Can DoKeep orthodontic wax and a pencil eraser handy. Here are some tips for handling minor problems:
- Poking wire or bracket - Roll a piece of wax into a ball and press it onto the part that is poking you.
- Broken Wire - Press the wire towards your teeth with a pencil eraser.
- Small Cut - To help the cut heal, rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water.
- A band or bracket breaks (don't wait 'till your next appointment to tell us, as we need extra time to repair
- A piece of an appliance is loose or broken
- An appliance gets lost
- A broken appliance prevents mouth from opening or closing
- Pain from an appliance is still felt after taking over-the-counter pain relievers
Try to learn as much about your appliance as you can. This will help you talk to Dr Bhatt about problems you might have. Here are some main parts you'll find on a set of braces:
- Archwires - Thin wires that guide your teeth as they shift.
- Brackets - Small squares that hold the archwires to your teeth
- Bands - Metal rings that go around your teeth
- Headgear Tubes - tubes on the band that hold your headgear in place.
- Springs - Metal coils that help open or close the space between your teeth.
- Ligature Ties - small elastics that hold the wire onto the bracket (these come in a variety of colors).
Always follow Dr. Bhatt's instructions about proper wear and care. Here are some good general tips that will help prevent problems.
- Don't play rough while wearing headgear.
- If you wear braces, don't eat hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods. Avoid carbonated drinks, candy, gum, nuts, and corn on the cob. Cut raw carrots or apples into small pieces.
- Don't pick at or pull on braces even if it makes your teeth feel better.
- Don't flick your retainer around with your tongue.
- Remove headgear and wear a mouth guard when playing sports.