Orthodontic treatment has many parts at play to help correct the alignment of your teeth. Having braces placed onto your smile creates different sensations and different feelings in the mouth, many of which are very normal.
Common Issues
- Occasional soreness throughout the mouth or jaw is fairly normal because the process of the teeth shifting to their new position requires a slight amount of pressure.
- Canker sores may form on cheeks or gums that are not used to a new orthodontic bracket up against them.
- Loose brackets that have come unbonded from the tooth.
- Archwires that are potentially too long or come loose, then irritate your cheeks or lips.
Temporary Fix for a Poking Wire
If a wire comes loose or shifts, it might create an uncomfortable “poke” in your cheek when you’re unable to get to an orthodontist quickly. Use a small piece of orthodontic wax rolled into a ball and place it over the tip of the wire that’s irritating you. If necessary, you can use the end of a pencil eraser or cotton q-tip to bend the tip of a wire back. If sticky food pulls a wire out, you might be able to use a pair of tweezers to put it back until your next orthodontic appointment.
If none of the other options are helping, find another adult to help, then use a pair of nail clippers to snip off the piece of wire that is causing a problem.
Call our Marietta orthodontist if you’re in pain or require emergency treatment related to your orthodontic care. We’ll show you how to avoid orthodontic emergencies so that you can enjoy the most comfortable experience possible!