-Sore teeth
-Wire irritation
-Loose appliances
-Lost separator
-Lost/broken retainer
-Lost Invisalign aligner
-Incomplete turn on expander
Sore teeth
It is normal to experience some discomfort/pain in the teeth for 3-5 days following initial appliance placement. Using warm water salt rinses frequently and taking some pain medication (that you would normally take for a headache) will help ease the discomfort. Increased sensitivity on biting down/chewing is also common, and it is best to stick to softer foods for a few days.
Similar discomfort can also be felt for a day or two following routine adjustment visits (but it is usually not as severe), and can be dealt with in similar fashion.
As always, please call our office if you have any questions or if the pain persists beyond a week.
Wire irritation
Irritation from the wires and brackets is most common after initial appliance placement. In most cases, this goes away as the cheeks and lips toughen up and get used to the appliances. Wax (provided by our office) can be used to relieve areas that are very sore, especially for the first few days.
After routine adjustment visits, wire irritation can occur at the ends where the wire sticks out of the last bracket as the teeth move. Wax can be used to relieve this and if it is still uncomfortable, please call the office so that we can see you and snip the wire end.
Loose appliances
Whenever you detect a loose appliance, please call and inform the office immediately. Most often, you will be scheduled for an emergency visit to remove the loose bracket so it does not cause discomfort. If time permits, repair will be done the same visit, but most often you will be scheduled for a separate visit to do the repair.
In case that you have a palatal expander that has come loose, call the office immediately and stop turning the key till you see the doctor.
If a band that supports the headgear is loose, call the office immediately, but you can continue to use the headgear if it is not uncomfortable.
Lost separator
If the separator falls out, please call the office immediately to see if you need it re-inserted.
Lost/broken retainer
If your retainers are lost, broken, or not fitting well, please call the office immediately. Teeth can start shifting very fast without good retainers.
Lost Invisalign Aligner
If you misplace your current aligner, go back one stage to the previous aligner and call the office immediately so we can reorder your current one.
Incomplete turn on expander
With a palatal expander, if you cannot find the keyhole to inset the key to do a turn, or if the keyhole seems to be not fully open, the most likely cause is because the previous turn may be incomplete. If this is the case you can try and find the hole from the previous turn (usually towards the back of the mouth), complete that turn and then you will be able to do the next one. If you cannot do this, then please leave a message and we will have you come in on the next working day. This is not an emergency and no harm will be done if you cannot turn for a day or two till you see us. **Please remember to bring the key with you when you come**
