Home Care Instructions
What should I expect after getting my braces?
After the initial placement of braces or following an adjustment, the teeth may be tender for a couple of days up to two weeks. This is not abnormal and will improve with time. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be helpful in alleviating this initial soreness. Dr. Hodges usually recommended ibuprofen as the better of the two.
Soft foods will feel better to eat these first few days (such as pasta, baked potatoes, soups, etc.)
HOME CARE QUESTIONS
What if I have a loose or broken bracket?
First step, don’t panic. Most of the time the bracket will remain attached to the wire and will not be swallowed. If it is swallowed, “this too shall pass.” If band/bracket is still attached to wire, you can leave in place and place wax over bracket to prevent shifting. If the bracket is sliding around and does become bothersome, you can open the bracket door and remove from the wire. DON’T THROW AWAY. Keep the bracket in a ziploc and bring to your next appointment. We can clean it up and replace much faster if we have the bracket that was removed.
If you are having problems that you cannot make comfortable, do not hesitate to contact the office at (662) 407-0713.
Do I have to wear a mouth guard while playing sports with my braces?
We have never seen a sport-related tooth injury in a patient wearing a mouth guard. We recommend wearing one during all sports activities. We have basic youth and adult size mouth guards available for free in our office, just ask. You may purchase the cool, name-brand colorful one from your sports store as long as it is not a customized (boil and bite) guard.
What do I do if my wire is poking me?
As the teeth move, it is possible for the wire to protrude from the back of your braces. Check first to see if the wire has shifted to one side. Tweezers can be used to grab the wire and shift it back.
If the wire has not shifted, there are other options. If you have only been in your braces for a few months the wires are usually pretty thin, and you may be able to clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. This will get you comfortable until your next appointment. If you have been in braces longer than a few months, the wire may be too thick to clip with fingernail clippers. Or the amount of wire sticking out may be too small to see or grab. If you cannot clip the wire, cover the area with wax. Many times, your cheek will callous enough that this soon will no longer bother you.
If you are having problems that you cannot make comfortable, do not hesitate to contact the office at (662) 407-0713.
My lips or checks are irritating me? What is Relief Wax?
Irritation of lips and cheeks from braces rubbing tends to occur when the braces are first placed. Relief wax has been provided and can provide comfort while you get used to your braces. To apply the wax, pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball. Squeeze into a small disc and then push onto the braces where the irritation is occurring. Wax can be molded to cover the top and the bottom of the bracket, band, or wire.
If you find yourself without wax, call us, we have plenty for you. If you are not near the office, you can check the dental aisle at the pharmacy. If you are out in the woods in the middle of nowhere, you can soften some sugar free gum and use that as well.
What do I do if my wire is out of the back and poking me?
If the wire is out, you may try to place the wire back into the bracket. The back bracket has a square hole in the middle. Using tweezers you can flex the wire and slide it back into the bracket. If you cannot replace, try to push sticking wire down with a pencil eraser to tuck the wire under the bracket or away from your cheek. Lastly, you can try to place wax on the wire to keep it from poking.
If you are having problems that you cannot make comfortable, do not hesitate to contact the office at (662) 407-0713.
What if the hook for my rubberband is broken?
Try to place rubberband over the entire bracket and see if that will hold the rubberband in place. Sometimes, the rubberband will stay attached even without a hook. If the rubberband does not stay in place, then you can call our office and we can replace the hook or the bracket.
What if my color rubberband tie is off?
If a colored tie comes off of a bracket all should be fine. Our Damon brackets have a door that holds the bracket to the wire, so usually the color is just for fun. If the color is actually a chain (several colors connected across), this can usually wait until your next appointment to replace. If chain is bothering you, you may clip the loose portion with fingernail clippers.
What if a primary tooth becomes loose that is attached to the wire?
Loose teeth will not cause any problems. Let your assistant know at your next appointment and she will check to see if adjustments need to be made so the tooth can come out. If the tooth comes out but is still attached to the wire, you may open the bracket door and remove the tooth.
