1. General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel mild soreness or discomfort in your mouth and teeth may be tender when eating for 3 —5 days. Take Tylenol, or whatever you normally take for headache to help with any pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. Orthodontic wax is an easy way to deal with this problem, and it shouldn’t continue past the first few weeks.
2. Loosening of Teeth
Feeling teeth loosen during treatment can be scary, but don’t worry! This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don’t worry! It’s normal. Teeth must loosen before they can move. The teeth will firm up in their new — corrected — positions after treatment is completed.
3. Loose Wire, Bracket or Band
Though it can be stressful, don’t be alarmed if a wire, bracket or rubber band comes loose, this happens occasionally! If a wire sticks out and is irritating, try using orthodontic wax to alleviate the discomfort, if that doesn’t work use a blunt instrument (eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire back into position. Watch the video below on how to handle an orthodontic emergency. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the problem.
4. Rubber Band and Appliance Wear
It’s essential to work with your orthodontist and try your best to wear rubber bands or other appliances as much as possible. Your teeth and jaw can only move if you consistently wears your rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation following instructions and damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time… so please follow instructions!
5. Athletics
If you play sports, it’s important you let us know. A protective mouth guard will be needed for playing contact sports. Please ask us what we recommend.
