Braces are powerful tools for creating a healthy, beautiful smile. But sometimes, it’s normal to run into a few bumps on your smile journey. These issues can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sure what to do in the moment.
At State College Orthodontics, Dr. Diana Ray and her team help patients in State College, PA, navigate these challenges every day. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common braces issues, along with some simple, effective solutions, so you can keep your treatment on track.
Issue #1: Soreness and Discomfort
This is probably one of the most common issues that occurs with our braces patients, but thankfully, it’s also a super easy fix. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cause: Soreness is usually caused by the tightening of wires across your teeth, as well as when a new appliance (such as a palatal expander) is added.
- Fix: There are a myriad of ways you can soothe soreness and discomfort with your braces. Over-the-counter pain relief from your local pharmacy and a gentle saltwater rinse can usually take care of mild soreness. Ice cream from Penn State Berkey Creamery or Meyer Dairy Farms can also temporarily take the discomfort away.
- Should I call the office? If the pain persists longer than a few days, then yes, give us a call!
Issue #2: Loose or Poking Wires
Even when you’re super careful, a wire can sometimes poke at your mouth or come loose. Here’s a quick run-down:
- Cause: This is sometimes because patients forget a rule or two with their braces. Other times, a wire wiggles loose.
- Fix: You can trim the wire with a clean set of nail clippers or wire cutters and some rubbing alcohol (for disinfecting the cutters). Just be careful not to cut your gums!
- Should I call the office? Yes! Let us know so we can get the wire fixed so your treatment can keep progressing.
Issue #3: Broken or Loose Bracket
Brackets can be extremely fragile sometimes, whether you have metal or clear braces. Here’s what you need to know in case your brackets come off:
- Cause: Sometimes a patient isn’t as careful about their dietary restrictions, or they don’t wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Other times, the glue on your teeth can wear off over time, causing the bracket to fall off.
- Fix: Orthodontic wax is your best friend here! Simply apply some wax to the offending bracket, sticking it back to your tooth. Regularly change out the wax until you can make it into the office.
- Should I call the office? Yes! Please contact us at our State College office if you have a bracket come off, so we can get you back on track with your treatment.
Issue #4: Mouth and Gum Irritation
When your brackets first come into your mouth (and sometimes when your teeth are in the middle of your treatment plan), they tend to rub up against your lips and the lining of your cheek. Here’s how to take care of it:
- Cause: Your brackets are shifting during treatment, or you have new braces hardware that your mouth isn’t used to.
- Fix: Orthodontic wax can help the brackets not rub against your lips or the inside of your cheek so much. Eating soft foods like yogurt, mac and cheese, and applesauce, and using gentle saltwater rinses can ease the discomfort as well.
- Should I call the orthodontist? Some irritation in the mouth and gums is normal, but if it persists and the pain gets worse, call us so we can see if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Issue #5: Teeth Staining or Discoloration
As brackets stay on your teeth, it’s easy for the rest of your teeth to develop some staining – or at least some odd discoloration. Here’s how to take care of it:
- Cause: Poor dental hygiene and/or drinking lots of sugary and staining drinks (think lattes from Elixr Coffee or that soda from the drink machine at Wendy’s).
- Fix: Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth will ensure that your teeth stay fresh and clean, as well as staying (mostly) stain-free. If flossing is too much of a chore, using a water flosser can also be a great way to rinse whatever you’ve eaten and drank that day off your braces.
- Should I call the office? This is a situation that doesn’t need an urgent call to the office. However, we’d be happy to offer you teeth whitening options to consider after your treatment.
Issue #6: Flossing Difficulties
It’s easy to feel unmotivated to floss your teeth when they seem to be surrounded by barbed wire! Here are some ways to remedy flossing issues and bring the spark back to your smile:
- Cause: Time-draining and difficult to get regular dental floss in and out of each wire and bracketed tooth.
- Fix: Consider investing in an oral irrigator or dental tape to speed up the process and make sure you get all of the food out of your teeth. Moving your flossing time to the end of the day when you’re done eating will also ensure you’re managing your orthodontic care time well.
- Should I call the office? Nope! You’ve got this one handled.
Why State College Orthodontics Is the Best for Your Braces
Braces and aligners are an investment in your health and confidence, and it’s natural to experience a few challenges along the way. The good news is that most issues, like soreness and discoloration, are common issues, and they’re pretty easy to manage with some simple steps.
Still, it’s important to remember that not every problem can – or should – be solved on your own. If something feels off, causes ongoing pain, or interferes with eating, speaking, or cleaning your teeth, don’t wait it out. A quick call to State College Orthodontics can prevent a small concern from becoming a bigger setback. Dr. Diana Ray and her crew at State College Orthodontics are here to guide you through every stage of your treatment, no matter how big or small the issue may seem.
Have questions about your braces or aligners, or ready to begin your own journey toward a straighter smile? Schedule a free consultation with us today to get started on shaping your healthy, confident smile!