Poking Wire
Use a Q-Tip or Pencil Eraser to push the wire into a comfortable position. If you can not do this, you can place wax over the wire or attempt to cut the end of the wire with fingernail clippers.
Loose Bracket, Band, or Wire
If a bracket is loose but still tied to the wire with the color tie you can choose to rotate it flat onto the tooth until you are seen in the office or cut the color tie with fingernail clippers and remove the bracket from the wire.
If a wire is loose you may utilize wax or fingernail clippers to alleviate the pain.
Loose Appliance
Do not try to adjust the appliance on your own. Please contact our office and we will walk you through steps of managing your specific appliance at home.
If your forsus springs arms have separated, you should be able to open and reinsert the rod and spring components into one another.
General Soreness/Tenderness/Irritation
Your lips, cheeks, tongue, and other tissues may become irritated when first getting appliances. Utilizing wax in soft spots is the best way to allow your mouth time to adjust. If you have sensitive spots, be sure to rinse with salt water to alleviate any tenderness.
You may take aspirin or ibuprofen if you have general soreness, however many patients do not require this.