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Minor Orthodontic Inconveniences

MINOR ORTHODONTIC INCONVENIENCES

Orthodontic Inconveniences

Some minor problems may occur during your orthodontic treatment.  You may prevent these problems from occurring by avoiding certain foods and following the care instructions given after your braces were placed.  However, we understand that sometimes even with proper care, certain adjustments may need to be made. 

In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.  However, if you are unable to fix the problem and are experiencing discomfort, please schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. 

Here are a few problems that may occur during your treatment:

Loose brackets or bands
Please call our office immediately for advice.  If it is at night or over the weekend, you may be able to slide the broken bracket off the wire or slide it to the next closest bracket to avoid discomfort.  In emergency cases, you may use a fingernail clipper washed and sterilized with alcohol to cut the wire.  Then, call our office for a repair appointment.  Your loose bracket or band will need to be repaired in order for your treatment to progress. 

Poking Wire
When a wire pokes your cheek or lip, you may gently move the wire with a cotton swab or eraser.  If the wire does not move, cover it with wax or a small piece of cotton.  However, if the wire is causing discomfort, you may try using a fingernail clipper or scissors sterilized with alcohol to cut the wire.  Please call our office for an appointment if you cannot resolve this problem and it is causing discomfort.

Lost Separators
Sometimes a spacer may come loose or lost.  Please call our office to see if you need to have it replaced.

Soreness after an adjustment
“No Pain, No Gain!!”  Some patients may experience sore teeth after braces are first placed and after certain adjustment appointments.  This is normal as teeth moves into place.  Please take medication you normally take for a headache as directed on the container (example:  Advil, Motrin, Tylenol).  Eating soft comfort foods (chicken noodle soup or pasta) may also help. 

Lost Retainer
Retainers are designed to hold your teeth in place.  Not wearing them will result in unwanted tooth movement.  If you notice that your retainer is broken or if you have misplaced your retainer, please call our office immediately to have it replaced. 

OTHER DENTAL EMERGENCIES
If you experience dental emergencies such as a laceration, puncture wound, broken or chipped tooth, tooth knocked out of place or knocked out, please contact your family dentist within the first 30 minutes.


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Nancy M. Leung, D.D.S., M.S.
Specialist in Orthodontics
Creating Beautiful Smiles

Aptos orthodontist, Nancy M. Leung DDS, is a dental professional dedicated to excellence in orthodontics offering services such as braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments. Please come and visit Aptos, CA orthodontist, Nancy M. Leung, DDS MS, Specialist in Orthodontics.


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