DENTIST REFERRALSHow to fix your braces
Our Specialist Orthodontists take great care to ensure your braces are securely fitted, but occasional breakages can still occur. To support you, we’ve put together a helpful guide on how to manage common brace issues.
If you’re experiencing a problem, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and can schedule an emergency appointment if necessary.
Poking archwire
- Problem: As your teeth shift, the archwire may begin to poke out the back of your brackets, causing it to irritate your cheeks.
- Solution: Place some wax over the ends of the archwire and call our practice to arrange an appointment to have the wire trimmed.
Loose bands or brackets
Problem: A band or bracket can sometimes become loose, especially if you chew on something hard or sticky.
Solution: Place wax over the band or bracket if needed, and call our practice so we can arrange an appointment to fix the issue.
Please note that appointments to repair breakages are additional visits and are typically scheduled during school or work hours. If you delay notifying us and wait until your next scheduled appointment, we may not have sufficient time allocated to properly address the issue.
Open bracket
- Problem: Sometimes a bracket may open due to the pressure of the archwire, or if you have eaten hard or sticky foods.
- Solution: Place your fingers on either side of the bracket to ensure the archwire is properly seated in the bracket slot. Then, use your other hand to gently push the gate closed. If you are having difficulty closing the bracket yourself, please contact our practice.
Archwire displacement
- Problem: Sometimes an archwire can slip out of a closed bracket and become displaced.
- Solution: You will need to call our practice and set up an appointment for it to be fixed. In the meantime, place some wax over the archwire/bracket if it is poking into the side of your cheek.
Snapped archwire
- Problem: There are times when an archwire may break, often due to eating hard foods or an accidental impact.
- Solution: Place some wax over the affected area and call our office to make an appointment. It is important to have this fixed quickly in order to keep your treatment on track.
Avoiding breakages
It is not uncommon to experience a broken bracket or two during orthodontic treatment, but consistent breakages can slow down the progress of treatment. To make the most of your treatment and save valuable time, it’s important to take steps to prevent breakages.
We recommend watching the following video and visiting our page on how to care for your braces to learn the best maintenance tips and what to avoid during your orthodontic journey.
We’re here to keep your treatment on track!
Our team has all of the best tips to help you get the most out of your treatment journey. Take the first step toward an improved smile today - book an appointment at Torque Orthodontics in Mackay!
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1/33 Brisbane Street,
Mackay, QLD 4740
- Monday - Thursday
- 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Friday
- 8:00am to 2:30pm
