Small accidents and mild pain
Discomfort after the placement of the orthodontic appliance
In the first three or four days after the orthodontic appliances are placed it is normal to feel a slight, temporary discomfort. For your relief, you can consume chamomile or soft foods and wash the appliance with lukewarm salt water. In case of more intense discomfort you can also take an analgesic tablet.
Cheeks and lips irritation
In case the braces cause you irritation, you can be relieved immediately using the special gel prescribed by your orthodontist. Take a small piece of gel, mold into a small ball and place it onto the braces that irritate you. Do not worry if you accidentally swallow it.
Food stuck between teeth
Food stucking between teeth can be annoying, especially when wearing an orthodontic appliance. You can remove food with some dental floss, an interdental brush or a simple toothpick.
Sore
Orthodontic appliances can increase our sensitivity to sores or mouth ulcers. To relieve the discomfort, apply a small amount of soothing gel directly on the sore with a cotton swab. If the discomfort persists after four to five days, contact your doctor.
Ligature tie loss
Ligature ties are used to keep the orthodontic wire of the braces in place. In case a tie becomes loose, you can fix it with a pair of tweezers. If it breaks, you can remove it with the tweezers. If, on the other hand, a tie is not broken but sticks out and irritates your lips, you can fix it gently with an eraser of a pencil or cover it with the orthodontic gel prescribed by your orthodontist.
It is very important to check your braces regularly and report any abnormalities to the orthodontist.
Brace popping off
If you notice that a part of your orthodontic appliance begins to pop off, make an appointment with your doctor immediately to fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can try to replace the brace yourself by gently pushing it left or right with a pair of tweezers.
Protruding orthodontic wire
Similar to the ties, if a piece of orthodontic wire protrudes from the brace and irritates your gums or lips, you can fix it with the eraser of a pencil or put some orthodontic gel on it.
Accidental swallowing a piece of the appliance
Swallowing a piece of an orthodontic appliance is very rare. However, if it happens, please stay calm. The piece will most likely be excreted naturally from your stomach. However, if you have trouble breathing, contact the orthodontist immediately. If the piece is visible when opening your mouth, try to remove it very carefully. In any case, it is very important to notify the orthodontist immediately.
(Source: American Association of Orthodontists – AAO)
