After Hour Solutions: How to Handle Orthodontic Appliance Problems at Home

Many common orthodontic problems can be handled at home. The following is a list of common household supplies that may assist you in making appliances more comfortable:

  • Orthodontic wax
  • Sterile tweezers
  • Small, sharp clippers capable of clipping wires (e.g., fingernail or toenail clipper, small wire cutter)
  • Q-tips
  • Pencil eraser
  • Cotton balls
  • Salt
  • Topical oral analgesic (e.g., Orabase or Ora-gel)

Please refer to the Braces Diagram to assist you in identifying the source of your orthodontic problem.

Elastic Tie

Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Loop in Archwire

Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Archwire

The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Bracket

Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube

Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring

Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire

Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band

A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook

Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band)

Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

How Do I Place Wax On My Braces?

orthodontic wax

If a bracket or a part of your braces is irritating your lips or cheeks, dry the affected area with a tissue and place a small amount of wax over the affected area. You can also dampen cotton and apply it to the affected area.

What Do I Do If My Ligature Tie Is Poking Me?

ligature tie

Use a pencil eraser or Q-tip to reposition the irritating wire. If you cannot reposition it, simply dry the area with a tissue and place orthodontic wax over the wire.


What Do I Do If I Have A Loose Wire or Coil?

loose wire

If a wire is loose or a coil has become unraveled, you may clip it using nail clippers or small wire clippers sterilized in alcohol. You may use gauze, cotton, tweezers or a tissue to hold the free end of the wire for easy removal after clipping. If you cannot clip the wire, use a pencil eraser to bend it toward the teeth/away from the cheek and place wax or cotton over the free end of the wire. Please call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

What Do I Do If My Expander Or Appliance Is Loose?

If an expander or banded appliance dislodges, push it back into place and eat soft foods until it is repaired. Do not activate the appliance. If it comes out completely, place it in a bag and bring it to your appointment. Please call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

Note: Expanders and appliances should remain intact for the duration of treatment. If they become loose, it is usually caused by eating hard or sticky foods. Please refrain from eating these types of food.

What Do I Do If I Have A Broken Bracket?

broken bracket with wax broken bracket

If you have a loose or broken bracket, apply wax to the bracket to keep it from moving around. Please call our office so we can determine whether to schedule you for a repair appointment or lengthen your next scheduled appointment to accommodate the repair.

Note: Brackets should remain intact for the duration of treatment. If they become loose or break, it is usually caused by eating hard or sticky foods. Please refrain from eating these types of foods.

What Do I Do If I Have A Loose Band?

loose band

If a band is loose, push it back onto the tooth and eat soft food until it is repaired. Please call our office so we can determine whether to schedule you for a repair appointment or lengthen your next scheduled appointment to accommodate the repair. If an appliance such as headgear or elastics is attached to this band, immediately discontinue using the appliance.

Note: Bands should remain intact for the duration of treatment. If they become loose or break, it is usually caused by eating hard or sticky foods. Please refrain from eating these types of foods.

What Do I Do If My Retainer or Removable Appliance Is Not Fitting Correctly?

If your retainer or removable appliance is not fitting correctly, do not attempt to force it into place. Please call our office to schedule an appointment to address this problem.

Note: The primary causes of ill-fitting retainers or removable appliances are inconsistent wear or damage to the appliance.

What Do I Do If I Have Missing or Broken Elastic Ties or Chain?

missing elastic

Please call our office to determine whether you need to come in before your regularly scheduled appointment.





What Do I Do If I Have Sores or Ulcers in My Mouth?

If you have sores or ulcers, apply over the counter analgesics such such as Orabase or Ora-gel to the irritated area. Warm saltwater rinses are also helpful.

Should I Be Worried If My Teeth Seem Loose?

This is normal. As teeth begin to move they will seem loose. When they reach their final position they will stabilize as the bone remodels around the tooth.