When first getting your braces, there are many things that might worry you. The biggest worry for many is usually how the braces will affect your looks. Aside from that, there are other things you might worry about when it comes to your braces, like if they were to break or become uncomfortable. If this were to happen, you should usually see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Any sign of discomfort is usually a sign that your braces needs to be readjusted. However, you should know the appropriate way of handling any discomfort caused by your braces in the case there are things you can do yourself to ease the discomfort.

Getting used to the braces

As braces is one of the most common tools in the medical branch of orthodontics, the possible side effects and malfunctions of it are well known and usually always have solutions. When you're first getting your braces, you might experience some discomfort during the first few days you have it. This is perfectly normal and should not be a cause of distress. The mouth just needs time to adjust to the strange object in it. Take some mild painkillers if the discomfort is too much, but the best thing you can do is just to wait it out.

Irritating parts

While getting used to the braces, there might be parts that might irritate your mouth when eating or talking. This is usually not a cause for a visit at the dental clinic, as it is mainly an issue about adapting to the braces. However, if it hurts or feels very irritating, you should put bits of orthodontic wax over the sharp parts to spare the soft tissue in your mouth.

Loose bracket

If one of the brackets is starting to come off, you need to see an orthodontist as soon as possible, as they are the only ones who can repair the bracket. When you're waiting to see the orthodontist, you could place pieces of orthodontic wax on the loose bracket. Make sure the area is clean and dry before adding the wax. This is a short term solution that isn't very durable, so you should be cautious about what you eat and do with your mouth when you've stabilised a loose bracket this way.

Loose wires

As your teeth move, the wires might become too long to appropriately fit the braces. The wire needs to be readjusted at a clinic, but until you get there, you can use a piece of cotton to press the wire against the teeth to make sure they don't come loose or that pieces of food get stuck under the loose wire. 

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