Discomfort
This is a completely natural reaction during the first three days to one week after the introduction of a foreign object in the mouth.
If you feel discomfort, increased saliva production, or speech difficulties, don’t worry. Be patient—this adjustment phase rarely lasts more than two weeks.
Pain
Pain is normal during the first three days to one week following the placement or adjustment of an orthodontic appliance. It tends to peak during meals, so we recommend eating soft foods in the early days. The pain will gradually subside and usually disappears between day 3 and day 7.
Three ways to manage this pain:
- Be patient and allow time for the discomfort to pass.
- Take paracetamol tablets for up to 3 days, following dosage and timing instructions carefully.
- Take ibuprofen tablets for up to 3 days, respecting the prescribed doses and intervals.
Important: Ibuprofen should never be taken daily throughout treatment. As an anti-inflammatory, it carries two main risks: masking a possible infection and slowing down tooth movement.
If the pain persists beyond 7 days, don’t hesitate to contact the practice for an emergency appointment.
Irritation or poking wire
If parts of your lips or cheeks are irritated by the appliance, apply a piece of orthodontic wax over the area causing discomfort. You can also use a soothing gel with healing and pain-relief properties on the irritated mucosa.
Wax and healing gel will be provided to you on the day your appliance is placed.
If the mucosa does not adapt after a few days, feel free to contact the office.
We can trim a wire that is too long or smooth any rough parts of the appliance through discreet polishing.
Detached orthodontic brace
Please contact the office to inform us of the detachment so we can either schedule a dedicated appointment for rebonding or extend your next appointment to accommodate the repair.
Broken or dislodged archwire
Please contact the office to schedule an emergency appointment to resolve the issue.
Loss of a removable appliance
Please contact the office so we can arrange an appointment to create a replacement.
In the case of repeated loss, an additional charge may apply for the fabrication of the new appliance.
