Problems With Braces or Brackets

Fixing broken bracket or braces, loose wires, rubber bands or retainers in Mesa AZ is easy at Frost Orthodontics. The simple orthodontic solutions presented below will help you maintain your braces until you can schedule an appointment with our office. Trays, braces or retainer, you need to know the names of the parts of your orthodontic appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. Some of the suggestions below can temporarily help alleviate the discomfort with your braces. It is very important that you call our Mesa, Arizona office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair your orthodontic problem. Allowing your bracket or wire to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan and extend the period of time you are required to wear braces.

Braces - Poking Wire

Using a pencil eraser to fix braces, brackets or wires... gently push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort and protect from wires poking cheeks and gums from getting.

Loose Braces, Bracket or Band

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue or put wax on it and call our Mesa office to make an appointment.

Loose Wire or Bracket

Using tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it. If your bracket is poking your mouth, place wax on the offending part of your braces.

Headgear Does Not Fit

Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed.  If the facebow is bent, please contact our office and speak to a dental assistant for guidance. Another common cause of discomfort of the headgear is due to not wearing it for the recommended time The headgear will hurt less if it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the recommended hours.

General Teeth Soreness with Braces or Brackets

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved somewhat by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase or Orajel on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take doctor recommended over-the-counter medicine for a headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!