Patient At-Home Tips & Tricks

Poking Wire: If a wire from your custom clear braces or metal braces is poking out or irritating your gums, cheeks or tongue, you can try using orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end. Gently push the wire away from the irritated area if possible. If you can’t alleviate the discomfort, call us for further advice.

Loose Bracket Or Band: If a bracket or band becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, this is another time you may be able to use orthodontic wax to temporarily keep it in place. It is crucial that you avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that could further dislodge the bracket. You’ll want to call Dr. Horton to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lost Elastic: If you lose a rubber band or ligature, you can try to replace it with a spare one provided by Dr. Horton. If you don’t have any spares, use a small piece of orthodontic wax as a temporary substitute until you get more replacements at your next appointment.

Discomfort Or Soreness: It’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness after adjustments to your braces or swapping in your new tray of Invisalign® or custom clear aligners. You can alleviate this by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help soothe any irritation.

Aligner Trays Not Fitting Properly: If your Invisalign® or custom clear aligner trays are not fitting properly or causing discomfort, you can try using chewies (special foam-like cylinders) provided by Dr. Horton to help seat the aligners more securely. If the issue persists, you may need to be evaluated, so please give us a call!