If a pokey wire is causing discomfort, attempt to push the wire back with your fingers or the eraser at the end of a pencil.  Alternatively, you can use nail clippers to clip the wire behind the last bracket.  If a pokey wire has come out of the last bracket, use tweezers to put the wire back into place or tuck the wire under brace to stabilize. Orthodontic wax can be used to cover up any sharp ends.

If a bracket breaks, it can still rotate and move along the wire. This rarely causes pain and can be fixed at your next appointment. In the meantime, you may secure the bracket on the tooth with orthodontic wax.  If you are wearing elastics, stop wearing them until the bracket is repaired.

Unfortunately, braces can occasionally cause ulcers or cuts inside the mouth. If you are experiencing irritation, use a small amount of orthodontic wax to ease the discomfort. You can also rinse your mouth with salt-water to soothe the pain and help heal the sore.  Sores will typically heal in 7-10 days. 

Ligatures and chain serves to engage and stabilize the wire on the braces. If needed, you may cut or remove broken ligature or chain.   If you are wearing elastics, stop wearing them until the ligature or chain is repaired.  

These pads may be placed on your back teeth initially to protect your braces from being knocked off.  They will wear down and fall off over time.  As long as your braces are still intact you do not need to have the pads replaced.

Orthodontic wax can be found in your oral hygiene welcome kit given at the start of treatment.  If you need more wax, please stop by the office or contact us.

Usually when a brace becomes loose it will stay attached to the wire by the ligature.  In the rare case that a brace or ligature is swallowed, don’t worry… it will pass through your system without causing a problem.