Orthodontic appliances like braces and clear aligners are great for fixing the alignment and positioning of your teeth and jaws. But they can also cause some problems. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the most common issues you might face when wearing orthodontic appliances.

What Would Be Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?

Orthodontic emergencies are different from the usual problems you might have with braces or clear aligners. Here are some things that could be considered an orthodontic emergency:

Major Trauma

If you get hurt in the head or face and your teeth are damaged, that’s a serious problem. If your tooth is loose, broken, or knocked out, you should see your dentist right away.

Infection

Infections from braces are although rare, but if you think you have one, it’s important to see your dentist. Signs of an infection include pain, swelling, and pus.

Extreme Pain

It’s normal to feel some pain or soreness after getting your braces adjusted or starting a new aligner. This usually goes away after a few days. But if the pain is really bad or doesn’t go away, you should let your dentist know.

10 Common Problems with Orthodontic Appliances

Here are some common problems you might have with orthodontic appliances:

Soreness or Discomfort

It’s normal to feel a bit sore or uncomfortable when you first start orthodontic treatment, get a new aligner, or have your braces adjusted. This usually goes away after a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain.

White Spot Lesions

These are the early signs of cavities. They can happen around brackets where plaque builds up. Brushing around all sides of your brackets and under the wire can help prevent them. If you get white spot lesions, your dentist might need to stop your treatment for a while.

Dislodged Wire

Sometimes, the wires in your braces can come loose. This is more likely to happen at the beginning of your treatment. If this happens, you can usually put the wire back in yourself. If you can’t, you can try to clip it or leave it under the hook of the next bracket. Be sure to visit your dentist for further assistance.

Tooth Mobility

It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little loose as they start to move. This is because the tissue that holds them in place is stretching. This is a good sign and will go away after your treatment is over. If your teeth feel very loose, let your dentist know.

Poking Wire

If a wire is poking you, it might be because your teeth are moving and the wire is now too long. This is a good sign of progress. Your dentist can cut the wire to make it shorter. If it’s the weekend or your dental office is closed, you can use wax to cover the wire.

Soft Tissue Irritation

Your mouth might feel sore or irritated at first, especially around your lips, cheeks, and tongue. Rinsing with warm salt water, taking OTC pain medication, or using wax can help.

Attachment Off

Sometimes, attachments on aligners can come off. If this happens, you can keep wearing your aligners. Call the office if you’re worries or if you have an appointment coming up soon.

Loose Appliances

Should any of your appliances, such as expanders, space maintainers, or orthodontic bands, become loose, it’s important to contact your dentist’s office immediately to schedule an appointment. When the appliance is loose on just one side, it’s normally okay to keep wearing it until your visit. However, if it falls off entirely, place it in a bag and take it with you to your appointment. Your dentist might be able to clean it and reuse it.

Button for Elastics is Off

If you’re unable to wear your elastics because a button or bracket has come off, contact your dentist’s office for instructions. They can advise you on whether a visit is necessary to fix the issue. If you were wearing elastics on both sides, try wearing them only on one side until you can get the other side fixed.

Broken Brackets

When a bracket comes off but remains attached to the wire, it’s usually safe to wait until your next appointment. However, calling your dentist if you’re almost done with your treatment and have concerns is a good idea.

For detached metal brackets or buttons, save them for your appointment, as your dentist might reuse them or provide a new one.

In case a back bracket comes off, and the wire starts poking you, try tucking the wire under the next bracket’s hook. If that doesn’t solve the issue, cut the wire. Should you be unable to fix it, contact your dental office for assistance.

To Wrap It All Up!

Now that you know about the common problems with orthodontic appliances, you’ll know what to do if you have any of these problems: see your dentist.

If you’re looking for a professional team of dentists in Prosper, Texas, look no further than Wink Orthodontics. Dial (469) 850-5555 to book an appointment with our board-certified orthodontists today!

Dr. Mo is a board-certified orthodontist and the proud owner of Wink Orthodontics. He merges his passion for innovation with a dedication to crafting beautiful smiles. After completing his residency at the University at Buffalo, he earned recognition for his groundbreaking research on the BRIUS appliance, an advanced lingual braces system. Additionally, Dr. Mo participated in an Aligner Intensive Fellowship, giving him the expertise to tackle complex cases with clear aligners.

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