June 2nd, 2014
At Ballou Orthodontics, we try to make wearing braces as comfortable as possible for our patients. However, from time to time we know accidents happen. We know braces can sometimes irritate your gums, tongue, and cheeks. Here are 3 common problems, and their solutions.
Problem #1: Irritation of lips and cheeks
With braces being a new piece of equipment in your mouth it’s very possible you may get sores on your lips or even cheeks.
Solution: Wax on, Wax off.
Do it like the Karate Kid… wax on, wax off 
You can use orthodontic wax to cover up the part of the bracket that may be causing you some irritation. Pinch off a little bit of wax, roll it up in to a ball, and gently press it against the bracket that is bothering you.
Problem #2: Pokey Wire
Did you know that a pokey wire is not necessarily a bad thing? Often times, a pokey wire is a sign that your teeth are moving in the right direction. As your teeth start to un-crowd in the front, your wire in the back will appear to be getting longer. When this happen it can cause some irritation in the back of your mouth.
Solution:
Just like in Problem #1’s solution this can also be applied to a pokey wire incident. However, in rare and extreme cases, if you are unable to get in to your orthodontist and need immediate remedy, you can try taking a pair of nail clippers and gently clip the piece of wire that may be poking you.
Problem #3: Broken Bracket
Broken brackets are the most common orthodontic emergency that we see here at Ballou Orthodontics. Broken brackets are often caused when a braces wearer eats a certain type of food that their orthodontist recommended they avoid during their treatment.
Solution:
Often times, a broken bracket does not bother a patient. However, if the bracket is sliding around on your wire and is causing some irritation you can try using wax to hold it in place.
In any emergency it is always recommended that you call your orthodontist as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t have to come in before your scheduled appointment to address the problem. Happy braces wearing
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