When you have metal braces, you can trust you’ll get a straight smile soon enough. The treatment is time-tested and proven to correct any and all misaligned teeth. Even so, metal braces can cause certain oral issues as they work; you must account for that. The upside is that your Copperas Cove orthodontist can help you deal with such dilemmas. So, please keep reading to learn four common problems with braces and how to fix them.
Sensitive Teeth
Once you start wearing braces, you may develop sensitive teeth. It’s normal for your smile to react to the pulling sensation caused by metal brackets and wires. Plus, teeth can be sensitive to tactile sensations and temperature changes after activations.
Thankfully, addressing this tooth sensitivity isn’t that hard. One method would be to take a mild painkiller – perhaps some ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Alternatively, you could apply a topical ointment like anise extract; it’d desensitize your teeth for a while. You’d just need to re-apply as necessary!
Soft Tissue Damage
Braces are meant to work on your teeth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t affect other parts of your mouth. Their wires and brackets may poke your cheeks’ insides and cause soft tissue damage. From there, you could experience swelling, inflammation, etc.
To avoid soft tissue damage, apply a layer of orthodontic wax on the relevant parts of your braces. This material should prevent chaffing and protect your cheeks. As for where to get some, you can ask your orthodontist for a small sample. There’s also the option of visiting your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Broken or Loose Wires
While metal braces are durable, they can break down at times. It’s simple enough to develop broken or loose wires from biting something hard. Once that happens, you’ll face a delay in treatment progress.
For cases of broken or loose wires, you’ll need to act quickly. First, put a tiny cotton swab or a bit of orthodontic wax on the pointy bits of wire. You should then call your orthodontist and set up an appointment at once. The sooner you see them, the less likely you are to have treatment delays.
Loose Brackets
Just as braces’ wires can have problems, the same applies to their brackets. These parts of your appliance could come loose over time. In that case, you’d face discomfort and less effective care.
If you experience loose brackets, apply orthodontic wax around and on top of them. Doing so should keep the parts stable until you see an orthodontist. Once you arrive at your appointment, the brackets can be re-applied.
Common problems with braces exist, but they aren’t unsolvable. Remember to see your local orthodontist if and when they occur.
About the Practice
Benchmark Family Dental & Orthodontics is based in Copperas Cove, TX. Led by Dr. Celebi and Dr. Ahmed, our practice makes great oral care its top priority. We embody that goal by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your smile’s needs. From dental checkups to metal braces, our team has what it takes to help teeth and gums thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (254)-547-4866.