Caring For Your Braces
Occasionally, your braces will need attention between appointments. Orthodontic “emergencies” can typically be handled simply, until you are able to come to the office for an extra care appointment. When scheduling such an appointment, please mention that you may require extra time.
:: Soreness
After you get your braces on, your mouth may be sore and tender when biting. This soreness usually lasts 3-5 days. You may get relief by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the sore area using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed. You may take Ibuprofen to relieve the soreness. You may also get relief by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the sore area using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed. Prior to taking/applying any medication, confirm that you do not have any allergies to them.
The tissues in your mouth, such as your lips, tongue and cheeks will also get sore as you get accustomed to your new braces. Rinsing with salt water can help.
:: Poking wire
Use a pencil eraser to push the poking wire down and/or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
:: Loose bracket or band (otherwise known as broken bracket/band)
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it. If the bracket/band comes out entirely, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
:: Loose wire
Use a tweezer and try to put your wire back into place; use wax if necessary. As a last resort, use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. Then place wax.
:: Lost separator (spacer)
A separator, or spacer, is commonly placed between your back teeth to make space. Occasionally, a patient may lose a separator between appointments. Call our office to see whether it is necessary to replace your lost separator before your next scheduled appointment.
:: Food list
Following some simple rules can help you avoid problems with your braces.
Avoid: biting ice, chewing on pens/pencils, picking at the braces, biting into an apple or bagel, chewing sticky/hard foods such as caramel, hard candy, chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, hard chips, crunchy foods.
Cut all foods into small bite size pieces, and avoid sodas and excess sugar.
Practice good oral hygiene, by brushing well and flossing daily (
SWAT video for oral hygiene instructions and click on DVD link).
Diagram of Braces
To help you accurately describe an emergency situation to the orthodontist, use the diagram below, which illustrates and names each part of a typical set of braces.
A. Brackets - Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.
B. Metal Band - The band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.
C. Elastic Hooks & Rubber Bands -
Elastic hooks are used for the attachment of rubber bands, which help move teeth toward their final position.
D. Ligature/elastic tie - The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire.
E. Archwire -
The archwire is tied to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.
:: Headgear does not fit
If your headgear does not fit, it can mean that it is not being worn as instructed by your orthodontist, or that it was bent. Please call the office for an extra care appointment.
:: Mouthguards
It is recommended that you wear a mouthguard while engaging in active atheletic activities. Using a mouthguard can help protect your lips, cheeks and teeth in case of trauma. Mouthguards that fit over your braces are available in our office. You also have the option of custom made mouthguards. Ask our Barakat Orthodontics Team members for more information.
For urgent issues arising after hours, such as trauma and extreme swelling, please call our office (703) 433-9330 for instructions.
