When you get new fixed braces you may feel pain due to tooth movement. Particularly when chewing hard foods you will feel tension that express itself as masticatory sensitivity. We recommend sticking to soft foods during these first few days.

If you are suffering greatly from the masticatory sensitivity, take a mild pain killer like paracetamol or aspirin (please take as directed). Complaints may vary widely in intensity and length. If you should be uncertain, please call us at the practice.

If a bracket loosens please call for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Since your teeth are moving, it my occur that the end of the arch wire sticks out and pokes into your gum or cheek.

You can cover the offending wire with a pea-sized piece of protective wax. Dry the spot on the wire with a Q-tip or paper towel before applying the wax. If the wire does not bother you too much you can stick to the previously agreed appointment, but if it’s a real problem please call for an emergency appointment.

The arch wire threaded through the brackets is held in place by either elastic ties or metal ties. If one of these goes missing it can usually stay this way until your next appointment. But keep an eye on the tooth it fell off of. If the tooth changes position, please call for an emergency appointment.

If the secured palate bar should loosen, replace it in the desired position place using your fingers and we will secure it again on your next check-up. If the palate bar is bent or loosens repeatedly, please call for an emergency appointment.

At the beginning of your orthodontic treatment gaps between your teeth may occur, but these will usually disappear in time. Nevertheless, if you are unsure, please call.

You may get a rubber chain over the brackets to keep them in place. If this chain breaks, call for an emergency appointment to get a new one.

Please call for an emergency appointment to renew it. If your next regular appointment is within one week, you can also stop wearing your elastics.