Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve the health and aesthetics of your smile, but like any form of dental care, it can come with challenges. Fortunately, most common orthodontic problems have straightforward solutions that your orthodontist can provide. Whether you are wearing braces, aligners or retainers, knowing how to handle issues when they arise can help you stay on track toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Our experienced orthodontist and team have provided some solutions here, but we also encourage you to seek more information by visiting our YouTube channel or by contacting Corsa Orthodontics at 408-997-7772 to schedule an appointment.
Addressing Common Orthodontic Concerns
Soreness or Discomfort
If you are experiencing discomfort from braces or aligners, you are not alone. Soreness is common after adjustments or when you start a new aligner tray. To ease this discomfort, try eating soft foods and rinsing with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help during the initial days. If pain persists beyond a few days, reach out to our office.
Loose or Broken Brackets
Loose or broken brackets are another frequent issue. This can happen from eating hard or sticky foods or due to trauma to the mouth. If a bracket becomes loose, avoid touching it or trying to fix it yourself. Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and contact our team promptly for a repair appointment.
Poking Wires
Poking wires can cause irritation to the cheeks and gums. You can try using a clean pencil eraser to gently bend the wire back into a comfortable position or apply orthodontic wax to the end. If the wire is severely out of place, schedule a visit with our orthodontist for professional care.
Lost or Damaged Retainers
Lost or damaged retainers are also a concern, especially after orthodontic treatment is complete. Retainers are essential to maintaining your results, so you should contact our team immediately if you lose or break your retainer.
Poor-Fitting Aligners
Aligner users may face issues such as trays not fitting properly. This can occur if trays are not worn for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. In these cases, our orthodontist may advise you to backtrack to a previous set of aligners or provide chewies to improve the fit. Consistency and follow-up appointments are key to ensuring treatment stays on course.
Schedule A Visit
Dr. Christopher Corsa and our team are here to support you through every step of your orthodontic journey. For helpful tips and visual guides on handling common orthodontic issues in San Jose, California, we invite you to call our office for an appointment or explore our YouTube channel for easy-to-follow videos and advice straight from our team.
