Quick Answer: Soreness after braces are placed or adjusted can be normal. A loose bracket, poking wire, missing spacer, or damaged appliance should be reported to Miler Orthodontics.
Is It Normal Soreness or a Problem With Your Braces?
Several teeth may feel sore after braces are placed or adjusted. This discomfort comes from pressure on the teeth and often improves as your mouth adjusts.
Common braces problems involve the appliance itself. A sharp wire, moving bracket, loose band, or missing spacer may cause irritation or interfere with treatment.
What Should You Do About a Poking Wire?
A wire may rub against your cheek or gums if it shifts or extends past the last bracket. Cover the sharp area with orthodontic wax to protect the inside of your mouth.
Do not pull, bend, or cut the wire. Keep the area covered until you receive instructions from the orthodontic office.
What Should You Do If a Bracket Comes Loose?
A loose bracket may slide along the wire, turn, or rub against your cheek. Even if it does not hurt, it may no longer move the tooth correctly.
Cover the bracket with orthodontic wax if it feels sharp. Do not glue it back onto the tooth or remove it from the wire. Avoid hard or sticky foods until the bracket can be checked.
What Happens If a Spacer Falls Out?
A spacer may loosen or fall out as room develops between the teeth. That does not always mean it is no longer needed.
Do not try to replace the spacer yourself. Whether it needs to be put back may depend on when it fell out and how close you are to your next appointment.
What Should You Do About Irritation or Other Loose Parts?
Orthodontic wax can protect your lips, cheeks, or tongue from a bracket or wire that is rubbing. A warm saltwater rinse may also help soothe a small irritated area.
Do not pull, cut, glue, or adjust a loose band or another damaged part. Call Miler Orthodontics if something is loose, missing, damaged, or continues to irritate your mouth. Tell the team which part is affected and whether you have pain or swelling.
Trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, a serious injury to the face or mouth, or a possible broken jaw requires urgent medical care.
Get Help With a Braces Problem
Miler Orthodontics can explain whether the problem can wait until your next appointment or should be checked sooner.
Bluffton office: 843-815-2521
Beaufort office: 843-379-9200
