Common Dental Braces Problems and How to Fix Them

Getting dental braces is a significant step toward achieving a healthy, straight smile. For those seeking dental braces in Dubai, understanding common problems associated with braces—and knowing how to address them—can help make the treatment process smoother and more comfortable. While braces are effective, they sometimes cause minor issues that can be easily fixed with the right care and professional advice.

Discomfort and Soreness:

It is common to experience discomfort or soreness, especially right after braces are applied or adjusted. This soreness is usually temporary but can affect eating and speaking.

• Cause: Pressure from tightening wires or new brackets

• Fix: Use orthodontic wax on brackets, rinse with warm salt water, eat soft foods, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

Broken or Loose Brackets:

Brackets can sometimes come loose or break due to eating hard or sticky foods or accidental impact.

• Cause: Hard candy, nuts, or sports injuries

• Fix: Avoid problematic foods, use orthodontic wax for comfort, and schedule a prompt visit to your orthodontist for repairs

Pokey Wires:

Wires can occasionally shift or extend beyond the last bracket, poking into the cheeks or gums, causing irritation or pain.

• Cause: Movement of archwires or broken parts

• Fix: Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily and visit your orthodontist for proper adjustment

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth and Gums:

Braces create nooks where food particles can get trapped, making oral hygiene more challenging and increasing the risk of plaque buildup.

• Cause: Brackets and wires trapping food debris

• Fix: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, interdental brushes, floss threaders, and consider an antimicrobial mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene

Food Getting Stuck:

Food frequently getting stuck in braces can cause bad breath and tooth decay if not addressed promptly.

• Cause: Trapped food between brackets and wires

• Fix: Rinse your mouth after meals, use a water flosser, and avoid sticky or hard foods that cling to braces

Mouth Sores and Irritation:

Brackets and wires may rub against the soft tissues of your mouth, causing painful sores or ulcers.

• Cause: Constant friction between braces and inner cheeks or lips

• Fix: Apply orthodontic wax on irritating spots, use over-the-counter oral gels, and rinse with salt water to promote healing

Stained Teeth and Braces:

Poor cleaning or consuming staining foods and drinks can lead to discoloration on teeth around braces.

• Cause: Plaque buildup and pigmentation from coffee, tea, or colored foods

• Fix: Maintain a diligent cleaning routine, limit staining foods, and visit your dentist for professional cleaning

Loose Bands:

Bands around molars can become loose due to eating certain foods or improper care.

• Cause: Hard or sticky foods, or accidental dislodgement

• Fix: Avoid problematic foods and schedule a repair with your orthodontist as soon as possible

Broken Elastics or Rubber Bands:

Many orthodontic treatments involve rubber bands to correct bite alignment; these can break or lose elasticity.

• Cause: Normal wear or eating hard foods

• Fix: Replace elastics as instructed by your orthodontist and avoid foods that may damage them

Speech Difficulties:

Some patients experience temporary speech changes or lisps when they first get braces.

• Cause: Presence of brackets and wires altering tongue placement

• Fix: Practice speaking aloud, read out loud, and give your mouth time to adjust to the braces

Final Thoughts:

Dental braces in Dubai come with their share of minor challenges, but understanding common problems and knowing how to fix them can make your orthodontic journey more comfortable and successful. Regular communication with your orthodontist, proper oral hygiene, and avoiding foods that can damage braces will help you achieve the best results while minimizing complications. If you encounter any issues that persist or cause significant discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek professional care promptly.