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• i) Food Caught Between Teeth



• ii) Ligatures Come Off



• iii) Mouth Sores



• iv) Irritation of Lips or Cheeks



• v) Protruding Wire



• vi) Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands



• vii) Discomfort

This is not an emergency but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food, or use a toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Tiny rubber bands or small fine wires known as ligatures hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber band should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using a pair of tweezers. If a ligature wire comes loose, simply remove it. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.

If a rubber band or wire ligature is lost, notify your orthodontist at your next visit. Do contact the office if the ligature is poking or sticking.

Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be exacerbated by irritation of the braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency, but may be uncomfortable. Applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (Orabase or Orajel) directly to the ulcer will provide temporary relief. If it persists longer than ten days please notify your dentist.

New braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small amount of wax from your starter kit and place on the brace in the area of irritation. If the wax is accidentally ingested, it is not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Occasionally, the end of a wire may work itself out of place and irritate the mouth. Use a q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the mouth. If the wire cannot be moved to a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. If this can’t be done, you may clip the wire with sharp clippers. Place a folded tissue or gauze around the area before clipping the wire to avoid swallowing the wire. If you are unable to clip the wire yourself then contact our office.

Braces are held to the teeth with a thin layer of adhesive (glue). If a brace (bracket) comes loose (unglued) from a tooth, it will remain attached to the wire. This is not dangerous and will not harm the tooth. You do not need to make an emergency visit to the office unless it is poking or sticking you. Simply let the orthodontist know that you have a loose brace at your next scheduled visit.

It is normal for a patient to have discomfort for a period of time after braces or retainers have been placed or adjusted. The discomfort is temporary.  Over the counter pain medications may be taken as needed; and the patient should stay on a soft diet.  The patient should take what they would normally take if they had a headache. REMEMBER: CHILDREN SHOULD NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.