Common Braces Issues

As an orthodontist in Tulsa, we treat both children and adults who are looking to improve their smiles and achieve other orthodontic benefits that come with straightening your teeth. Our treatment recommendations are customized based on each patient’s needs and oral health which helps to ensure that the results are stunningly beautiful.

While in treatment, some patients struggle with various problems, from loose brackets to braces pain and everything in between — many of which are entirely avoidable. Here are a few common braces issues, how to avoid them, and what to do if you do encounter them.

Most patients get a loose bracket at some point during their treatment. Since the brackets are secured to the teeth using a resin composite, eating hard foods like nuts, candy, popcorn, etc. can cause a bracket to become loose or even pop off.

This can lead to severe discomfort for the surrounding cheeks. We suggest using the orthodontic wax we provide you at your first appointment. Apply it around and on top of the bracket until you can get to our office. This will help you to remain comfortable.

Another largely avoidable problem, wires can sometimes break, poke you in the cheek or other areas of your mouth, and cause severe discomfort.

While it may be tempting, we don’t recommend that you cut the wire on your own. Instead, visit our office to have it repaired or replaced. That way there is no risk of you accidentally swallowing it or causing more damage to other parts of your braces. Again, you can use your orthodontic wax to make things more comfortable until we repair it.

This is a simple one! If the rubber bands surrounding your brackets become loose, schedule an appointment to have them replaced. It is quick and easy to do so, but must be completed quickly before the wire or brackets are impacted.

These help make room for teeth to move into the right position. Again, avoiding hard foods and not chewing on things that could damage your braces are the best ways to keep them from getting loose. Only an orthodontist can secure them in place or replace them entirely, so give us a call if it happens.

We understand that while there are several common problems with braces, most are easy to take care of without any significant issues. Also, most of the problems that patients have with braces can be prevented by eating a diet that won’t damage your teeth. For example, cutting out or reducing sugar intake along with hard foods like nuts and candy. These things are known to create many of the problems listed above.

At Nowlin Orthodontics, we also recommend that patients throughout the Tulsa area take good care of their teeth by brushing and flossing throughout the day in addition to having their teeth professionally cleaned. To learn more about how to keep braces in good shape and how to prevent common problems, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Van or Dr. Ryan Nowlin.