Common Problems
BENT OR BROKEN WIRE
As your teeth move, the archwires from your braces can become distorted, or the ends of the wires can protrude from the back of the molar tubes. If this occurs, use wax on the exposed wire for temporary relief until you can come in to have the wire trimmed.
LOOSE BRACKET OR TUBE
Brackets, which act as handles for the archwire, have been bonded on to each of your teeth. If a bracket breaks off, you may need to wear your braces for a longer period of time – so it is very important to notify us as soon as this happens. If more than one bracket is loose please mention this when you call, because we’ll need to book a longer appointment to fix them.
Sometimes it’s difficult to know straight away when a bracket has come off. You should notice it when brushing, however, as the bracket will be loose on the archwire. Another reason to brush regularly!
MISSING O RINGS AND LIGATURES
O Rings and ligatures are used to attach the archwires to brackets. If one of these comes off, it is not an urgent problem – although if the wire tends to come out of the bracket as a result, you will need to schedule an appointment to have this fixed within a week.
EATING WITH BRACES
To help avoid breakages, you need to be very careful while eating. There are even some foods you must not eat at all while you’re wearing braces. To help your treatment go smoothly, take the following advice into consideration.
1. DO NOT EAT:
Some foods in general are extremely likely to cause breakages. These include:
a. Lollies – particularly chewy ones like toffees, Minties, Redskins, Fantales etc.
b. Chocolates and chocolate bars – like Mars, Crunchie, Cherry ripe, etc.
c. Roll Ups
d. Muesli Bars
e. Pork Crackling
2. BE AWARE
a. Hard crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots and celery should be cut into bite sized pieces and chewed on the back teeth – not bitten with the front teeth.
b. Bones (i.e. chicken wings, drumsticks, chop bones) – use a knife and not your teeth to cure the meat off bones.
c. Corn on the cob – once again use a knife, rather than your teeth.
d. Pizza crusts, baguettes etc – be particularly careful when eating these.
e. Soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi, 7Up etc. are very sugary and acidic and should be avoided during treatment. If you choose to consume soft drinks while wearing braces, it is best to choose the ‘diet’ version.
Emergency Information
Now your braces are fitted, there are a few things you need to be aware of. There are some types of food and drink you will need to avoid, and some types of food you might have to eat in a different way.
Also, your braces might be uncomfortable from time to time – and you may occasionally have a breakage. This guide should help you deal with these problems if and when they arise.
FIRST AID
- - During the first few days, your teeth will be slightly sensitive. During this time, try to eat a soft diet – foods like pastas, soups, eggs, yoghurt, etc.
- - If you’re having some discomfort, pain relief like Panadol or Nurofen should help.
- - When you talk, smile and laugh, your braces may rub on your lips and cheeks, possibly causing ulcers. This usually happens before your mouth gets used to having braces there. If this is a problem, place “wax” supplied by your orthodontist onto your braces to create a smooth surface. Make sure the area is completely dry before you apply the wax – this way it will stick properly.
- - If the problem persists, please contact us on 9817-4018
