Keep Your Treatment on Track by Knowing These Common Problems with Braces

Traditional metal braces are a time-tested way to correct issues with a patient’s bite, leaving them with a beautifully realigned smile that can last a lifetime with proper care. However, this effective orthodontic treatment is not always comfortable, and it’s not uncommon for patients to encounter problems along the way. Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily addressed. Here are a few common problems for patients with braces and a few tips for remedying them.

Soft Tissue Irritation

This is perhaps the most common problem for people wearing braces. Braces are made out of metal wires and brackets, and these pieces can sometimes have sharp edges that can poke, abrase, or create small cuts in the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks. Thankfully, your orthodontist will provide you with dental wax that can cover up and smooth out these irksome edges to help you feel more comfortable. At your next orthodontist’s appointment, talk to your doctor about adjusting your braces so you can wear them more comfortably.

Tooth Sensitivity

Braces work by slowly and constantly pulling on the teeth to shift them into a better position, and this is not always a comfortable process. At times, the stress of realignment can make a tooth more sensitive. You may experience discomfort as the teeth move during the chewing process or when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods or beverages. The best way to treat this is to use over-the-counter pain medication or a topical ointment to help reduce the discomfort and desensitize your teeth and gums.

Loose Brackets

Many orthodontics patients will have a bracket come loose from a tooth at some point during their treatments. This can happen due to overly vigorous chewing or eating hard and crunchy foods like nuts, crusty breads, or hard candy. If your bracket disconnects from your tooth, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist to schedule a time to repair it. If you need help staying comfortable, apply dental wax to the troublesome bracket.

While wearing braces isn’t always a picnic, there are things you can do to keep your treatment as pleasant as possible. It’s also important to remember that the results will be well worth it and you can look forward to a lifetime with a beautifully realigned smile.

About the Practice

Serenity Orthodontics provides excellent orthodontic services to the communities of Cumming, Braselton, Roswell, and Jonesboro, GA. With Drs. Susan Podray-Donovan, Kylie Lewis, and Karolina Grochowska at the helm, the staff delivers exceptional care and customer service. Areas of expertise include traditional metal braces as well as Invisalign treatments and orthodontic emergencies. For more tips on staying comfortable when wearing braces, contact the office online.