While traditional orthodontics is very effective, it can still have some issues from time to time. The fact that the field is time-tested doesn’t mean it has no flaws. With that said, you should account for the common problems with braces before your treatment; you’ll have a smoother orthodontic journey that way. Your Oregon orthodontist is here to help you start this work properly. So, keep reading to learn four typical issues with braces and how to correct them.
Inner-Cheek Damage
Metal braces are only supposed to move your teeth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t affect the rest of your mouth. Their wires and brackets could poke your cheeks’ insides and cause swelling, inflammation, and other damage.
Luckily, it’s possible to prevent (or at least manage) this inner-cheek damage. Simply apply some orthodontic wax to the relevant parts of your braces. With this material in place, your cheeks will be protected from the poking wires and brackets can cause. Just get some from your orthodontist, a local pharmacy, or a supermarket.
Tooth Sensitivity
Your smile may do more than move once you start wearing braces. Due to your new appliance’s pulling sensation, you could develop a bit of tooth sensitivity.
The good news is that this sensitivity isn’t hard to fix. To reduce your ache, you could always take a mild painkiller – good examples include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. There’s also the option of applying a topical ointment like anise extract; it’d temporarily desensitize your teeth.
A Broken or Loose Archwire
As sturdy as they are, even metal braces can break down over time. That means you could suffer a broken or loose archwire that delays your treatment progress.
You should take two steps to deal with a broken or loose archwire. For starters, put a tiny cotton swab or some orthodontic wax over the wire’s pointy bits. The next step is to call your orthodontist and schedule a repair appointment. If you see them soon, they’ll help you avoid treatment delays.
Broken or Lost Ligaments
Since braces’ metal parts can suffer, it’s no surprise their non-metallic pieces can do the same. A key example would be when your treatment elastics (i.e., ligaments) are broken or lost.
If you lose or break your ligaments, don’t panic; you can fix the issue. The best thing to do is to see your orthodontist for help as soon as possible. When you do, they can replace your lost or broken ligaments with new ones and keep your treatment on track.
You can rest assured that the common problems with braces are solvable. If and when they occur, just see your orthodontic provider!
About the Practice
Struble Orthodontics is based in Bend and Redmond, OR. Led by Drs. Struble, Gambee, and Peterson, our practice strives to give every patient a straight smile. We pursue that goal by offering metal braces, clear aligners, and many other orthodontic appliances. With these various devices, our team can bring even the most crooked grin into alignment. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (541)-848-6642 or (541)-527-4325