What You Can Do When Problems Arise

Here are some tips for handling minor problems:

Keep orthodontic wax and pencil eraser handy.

• Poking wire or bracket: Roll a piece of wax into a ball and press it onto the part that's poking you. Try to keep the wax dry prior to placing it. The wax will come off frequently, so keep a supply with you.
  
• Broken Wire: Press the wire toward your teeth with a pencil eraser. If you are unable to push the wire out of the way, try cutting the part that is sticking out with wire cutters or a large finger nail clipper.
  
• Small cut: To help the cut heal, rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water. Peroxyl, which you can buy over the counter, is also an excellent rinse to clean the cut and promote healing.
  

Know Your Appliance.

Try to learn as much about your orthodontic appliances as you can. This will help you talk to us about any problems you might have. The more accurately you describe any problem, the better we are able to help you solve it. See the above picture to help you become familiar with the different parts of your appliance.

Tips to Prevent Problems.

Always follow your orthodontist's instructions about proper wear and care. But here are some general tips that will help prevent problems.

• Don't play rough while wearing headgear or any other removable appliance.
  
• If you wearing braces, don't eat foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy. Avoid candy or other sugar containing foods, gum, nuts, and corn on the cob. Cut raw carrots or apples into small pieces.
  
• Don't pick at or pull on braces even if it makes your teeth feel better.
  
• Don't flick your retainer around with your tongue, it will break!
  
• Remove headgear and wear an orthodontic mouthguard when playing sports.
  

REMEMBER--Broken appliances will slow down your treatment!