Welcome to the Baker Orthodontics family! We are so excited to be on this journey with you toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. While wearing braces is a transformative experience, we understand that you might encounter a few minor issues along the way. Most of these can be easily managed from the comfort of your own home until your next scheduled appointment.
At our practice, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge they need to feel confident throughout their treatment. This guide is designed to help you navigate and resolve some of the most common braces-related concerns. Remember, these tips are for temporary relief of non-emergency situations. If you ever experience severe pain or a significant problem, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly.
General Soreness and Discomfort
It is completely normal to experience some general soreness or discomfort after you first get your braces and following your adjustment appointments. Your teeth, gums, and mouth are simply adapting to the pressure that is gently guiding your teeth into their new positions. This feeling typically subsides within a few days.
Here are a few ways to manage this initial discomfort:
- Eat Soft Foods: For the first few days, stick to a diet of soft foods that require minimal chewing. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. This will reduce pressure on your teeth and make eating more comfortable.
- Use an Oral Anesthetic: Over-the-counter topical anesthetics like Orajel can be applied directly to the sensitive teeth and gums for temporary relief.
- Take Pain Relievers: If needed, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the packaging. Please consult with us or your physician before taking any medication.
- Rinse with Saltwater: A simple saltwater rinse can do wonders for soothing irritation. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out. You can do this several times a day to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Irritation from Wires and Brackets
The brackets and wires that make up your braces are essential for moving your teeth, but they can sometimes irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips as your mouth gets used to them. This is a common issue that usually resolves itself as the soft tissues in your mouth toughen up over time.
For immediate relief from poking wires or irritating brackets, orthodontic wax is your best friend. Here is how to use it effectively:
- Identify the Source: Use your tongue or a clean finger to locate the specific wire or bracket that is irritating.
- Dry the Area: Use a clean cotton swab or tissue to gently dry the bracket or wire. The wax will stick much better to a dry surface.
- Roll the Wax: Take a small piece of orthodontic wax and roll it into a ball about the size of a small pea.
- Apply the Wax: Gently press the ball of wax over the dry bracket or wire until it is fully covered. The wax creates a smooth barrier between the metal and your mouth, providing instant relief.
If a wire is particularly long and poking into your cheek, you may be able to use a pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently push the wire back into place, tucking it away from the sensitive areas of your mouth. Never attempt to cut a wire yourself, as this can be dangerous. If the wire is causing significant discomfort and you cannot resolve it with wax, please give our office a call.
Handling a Loose Bracket or Band
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic squares bonded to each tooth. Bands are the metal rings that are typically placed on the back molars. While they are attached with a strong, specialized adhesive, it is possible for a bracket or band to come loose, often from eating hard or sticky foods.
If you notice a loose bracket or band, it is important to let us know so we can schedule a time to repair it. A loose bracket is not usually an emergency, but it needs to be addressed to keep your treatment on track.
- If the Bracket is Still on the Wire: You can often leave the bracket in place. If it is rotating or causing irritation, you can cover it with orthodontic wax to secure it and prevent it from bothering your mouth.
- If the Bracket Comes Off Completely: Carefully remove the bracket from your mouth and save it. Bring it with you to your next appointment.
- If a Band is Loose: Call our office to let us know. We will advise you on the next steps and schedule a repair appointment. Avoid eating on that side of your mouth until the band is fixed.
Remember, the best way to prevent loose brackets and bands is to be mindful of your diet. Avoiding hard, crunchy, and sticky foods is crucial for protecting your hardware and ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly.
What to Do with a Poking or Broken Wire
The archwire is the thin metal wire that runs through your brackets, applying the pressure that moves your teeth. As your teeth shift, the end of the wire can sometimes poke out from the last bracket and irritate your cheek.
Here are a few at-home solutions for a poking wire:
- Use Orthodontic Wax: As mentioned earlier, applying a small ball of wax over the end of the wire is often the quickest and easiest solution.
- Try a Pencil Eraser: If the wire is flexible, you may be able to use the clean eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire down or tuck it under the bracket to get it out of the way.
- Nail Clippers (As a Last Resort): In a situation where you cannot get to our office and the wire is causing significant pain, you may be able to carefully snip the end of the wire. Use a pair of sterilized nail clippers and have a tissue or gauze ready to catch the clipped piece. Only an adult should perform this step. This should only be done as a last resort, and you should call us immediately to let us know.
Proper care is a cornerstone of successful orthodontic treatment. We offer a full range of services, including traditional metal and clear braces in Bakersfield, and our team is always here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
We know you have questions, and we are here with answers! Here are some common queries we receive from our patients.
How do I brush and floss with braces?
Oral hygiene is more important than ever with braces. You should brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can get trapped in your brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. A floss threader or an interproximal brush can help you clean between your teeth and around your brackets effectively.
What if I swallow a piece of my braces?
If you accidentally swallow a small piece like a bracket or a rubber band, it will typically pass through your digestive system without any issue. However, if you experience any difficulty breathing, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Be sure to inform us that the piece has been lost so we can arrange a repair.
At Baker Orthodontics, we are committed to providing you with exceptional orthodontic care in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Our practice stands out because we give our professional and personal best to each patient, ensuring individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. We are here to support you at every step of your orthodontic journey, from your initial consultation to the day your braces come off. Schedule an appointment today.
