How to Manage Potential Orthodontic Discomfort

It is normal to have occasional discomfort when you are in orthodontic treatment. The following are some tips for managing that potential discomfort with braces and Invisalign.

Braces

Poking wire and/or scratching bracket:

  • Use wax or gishy goo to cover and allow cheek or lip to feel more comfortable.
  • Use Oragel to numb sore area in mouth.

Bracket loose:

  • If not causing pain, leave alone until next appointment.
  • If bracket is dangling and getting in the way, colorful tie can be cut-releasing the bracket from the wire.
  • If concerned with movement, please call to see if emergency appointment is needed.

Metal band around molar is loose:

  • Let us know at next appointment. It is unnecessary to make an emergency appointment.

Colorful tie is off bracket and wire is loose:

  • If not causing pain, patient can wait and let us know at next appointment.

**IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PAIN, PLEASE CALL 855-433-6825 & ASK TO BE CONNECTED TO YOUR ORTHODONTIST’S OFFICE.

 

Invisalign

Attachment is off:

  • Let us know at next appointment. It is unnecessary to make an emergency appointment.

Metal button (round bracket attached to tooth for wearing rubber bands) is off:

  • If next appointment is coming up soon, let us know then. Stop wearing rubber bands until next appointment.
  • If next appointment is weeks away, try to schedule an emergency appointment to replace button. Stop wearing rubber bands until next appointment.

Lost/damaged current aligner:

  • Move forward to the next aligner and continue to wear it to the next aligner’s change date
  • If the next aligner does not fit, go back to the previous aligner, wear that and schedule emergency appointment (bring next aligner to that appointment).

**IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PAIN, PLEASE CALL 855-433-6825 & ASK TO BE CONNECTED TO YOUR ORTHODONTIST’S OFFICE.