Minor Problems Can Be a Big Pain

Orthodontic treatment can take some getting use to.You now have an appliance fixed into your mouth you have to worry about. It it common to experience minor discomfort which can be relived by over the counter pain relievers, eating soft food or rinsing with warm salt water. However, there are rare cases of actual orthodontic emergencies. Here are a few common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home we here at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group want to share with you.

via aaoinfo.org

Food Caught Between Teeth


This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing
student. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Ligatures Come Off


If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a
wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures before sending the student back to class. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the student’s parents, who should then inform the orthodontist.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably. Let the student know that if the wax is accidentally ingested it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritation of Cheeks or Lips above for instructions on applying relief wax.) The patient’s parents will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem.

Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires

If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don't connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!


Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it's best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort, and then call our office to schedule an appointment.

How Does Two-Phase Orthodontics Work?

Are you aware of two-phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Rhode Island Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Rhode Island Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get our of control. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, the second phase can begin. The average treatment time of the second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Rhode Island Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.

Maintaining Your Retainer

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning. A Hawley-type retainer can be brushed gently with a regular toothbrush — but a brush may scratch the clear aligner types. Denture cleaners, in powder or tablet form, as well as special retainer cleaners, can be used to clean most removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing; a floss threader or interproximal brush can also be a helpful cleaning tool when needed.

Finally, remember to always carry — and use — a retainer case. You'd be surprised how many retainers end up folded in a napkin and accidentally discarded! Also, don't expose your retainer to excess heat by washing it in very hot water or leaving it on a heater: That can cause the retainer to warp and make it unusable. With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.

For  more questions or concerns about maintaining your retainer, visit our website or give Rhode Island Orthodontics a call.

Benefits of Braces for Teens

The teenage years are often the best time to have orthodontic treatment.The ages of 12 and 15 are the optimal years to receive treatment as the adult teeth have erupted but facial growth is still occurring. At Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, we strive to keep treatment times as quick as possible while still ensuring amazing results. In general, treatment times are between 12 and 24 months.

Having braces in your teens has a variety of benefits including:

• Growth is ongoing and generally helpful to orthodontic treatment 
• Friends and classmates are often also in braces 
• A confident smile increases self-esteem at a sensitive age 
• Provides a lifelong beautiful smile throughout adult years (with use of retainers) 

If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment for teens at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, visit our website or call us at one of our offices in East Greenwich, Warwick,Wickford, Wakefield, Coventry, Barrington and Westerly, Rhode Island.