Common Orthodontic questions

COMMON ORTHODONTIC QUESTIONS

You might be surprised to learn that most problems can be temporarily solved at home until you can get to our office!

GENERAL SORENESS

After your first appointment you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for the next few days. This is completely normal! To relieve discomfort stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is persistent, we recommend taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other pain relievers you normally take.

The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of your braces. You can put wax on the braces to create a soft barrier between the bracket and your cheeks. We'll show you how!

Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?

If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your teeth must first loosen in order for us to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, we promise they will no longer be loose.

Can I play sports with my Braces?

Yes! Dr. Miller understands the love and passion that his patients have for sports and won’t make you stop playing while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Miller offers complimentary mouthguards to protect your teeth and your appliance during treatment. These mouthguards are your typical “Boil and Bite” mouthguards so we can allow your teeth to still move and progress. After treatment is completed Dr. Miller can make you a custom made mouthguard at no additional charge!