Right now, more than 4 million Americans are living with braces. They’ve chosen this orthodontic treatment to get a straight, even smile, knowing that the temporary hassle of braces will be well worth the results.
That said, sometimes braces can create problems for your oral health or your overall comfort. As a braces specialist, Dr. Maya Oliver can help you navigate any issues that arise with your braces. Choose to get your braces at our Georgetown Orthodontics office in Washington, DC, for top-tier care before, during, and after your braces.
With so much experience with braces, Dr. Oliver is familiar with the most common issues that can arise. Here’s a look at four of them — and what you can do about these problems.
#1: A sore mouth
It’s normal to have some soreness after a visit to our office, especially if you’re early in your orthodontic treatment. That’s actually a sign that your braces are working. As your teeth start to move from their original positions, you might get a little sore. It’s sort of similar to the way soreness after a workout shows you that you really worked your muscles.
To help ease your discomfort, Dr. Oliver recommends taking it easy and switching to soft foods for a few days. The soreness should fade relatively quickly.
#2: Broken or poking wires
The archwire that guides the brackets on your teeth plays an important role in your braces, but it can poke your oral soft tissues.
In rare cases, the archwire can break, poking you at the break site. But your archwire may also poke you at the back of your cheek, near your molars.
If you feel your archwire poking you at all, visit our office. Dr. Oliver can promptly fix any broken wires or trim them at the back for increased comfort. If you still feel the wire, she can give you some orthodontic wax to put over the end.
#3: Unhealthy gums
Because brushing and flossing with braces requires extra care, many people see their oral health dip while wearing braces. Particularly, your gum health can be affected, leading to gingivitis.
If your gums are red, tender, or bleeding, come visit our office. Dr. Oliver can work with you to restore your gum health. She can also explore things that might make it easier to keep your teeth clean, like a water flosser instead of traditional floss.
#4: Demineralization
Similarly, if food gets trapped under your brackets, it can create acid on your teeth. This acid can decalcify your teeth, leaving white scars that remain even after your braces come off.
To avoid this issue, brush thoroughly each time you eat.
Your braces should be your key to your best smile, not something that causes problems for you. For the quality orthodontic care you need to have your best experience in braces, call our office at 202-400-3186 today.