目次
Table of Contents [Close]
- About Pain
- Eating During Orthodontic Treatment
- Discomfort from the Appliances
- If the Appliance Comes Off
- If the Wire Sticks Out
- About Orthodontic Wax
- If a Cavity Is Found During Orthodontic Treatment
About Pain
After the appliance is placed in the mouth, pain due to tooth movement may occur.
Although it varies from person to person, the pain may last for about 3 to 7 days.
Many people experience pain in the first few days until their bodies adjust to the appliance.
You may feel a floating sensation overall and find it difficult to chew hard foods.
This is a sign that your teeth are starting to move. If the pain becomes unbearable, we can provide pain relief medication, so please consult us. 💊
For more details on the types of pain, please check here. 🙇
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Eating During Orthodontic Treatment
During the first few days when your teeth are sore from movement, try to eat soft foods as much as possible.
Once the pain subsides, you can return to your normal diet. However, biting into large or hard foods with your front teeth may cause the appliance to come off or break.
Please cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
Dark-colored foods and drinks (such as curry, meat sauce, coffee, and wine) will not discolor the brackets attached to your teeth. However, rubber rings and chains attached to brackets and wires may become discolored or yellowed.
Even if they become discolored, they are not deteriorated, so there is no need to worry.
These rubber parts can be replaced during your visit.
Discomfort from the Appliances
When the appliance is first placed, you may feel discomfort or a foreign sensation. Please avoid touching it excessively with your fingers or tongue.
The appliance may make it difficult to close your mouth at first, leading to mouth breathing.
If your mouth remains open, it may become dry, reducing the distribution of saliva. Since saliva has a self-cleaning function, dryness can lead to bad breath.
As you get used to the appliance, try to consciously close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
If the Appliance Comes Off
Especially in the early stages, the appliance attached to your teeth may come off even if you are careful with how you eat.
As your teeth become more stable, it will become less likely to come off, but once it comes off, it may happen multiple times.
In such cases, we will consider changing the type of appliance or adhesive and will explain and address the situation accordingly.
If the Wire Sticks Out
Types of Wires
- Main Wire: Inserted into the slots of the appliance to connect all the teeth.
- Ligature Wire (thin wire): Used to tie some appliances to the main wire.
As teeth move, the main wire may extend from the back, causing discomfort by touching the inner cheek.
Ligature wires are twisted inward at the ends, but brushing or eating may cause them to stick out and irritate the inner cheek.
- Blue mark: Indicates a thin wire sticking out.
- Green mark: Indicates a properly tucked-in wire.
If either type of wire causes discomfort, cover it with orthodontic wax (protective material) and contact us.
About Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is used to cover and protect areas where the appliance is causing irritation or pain.
- Cut a small piece and roll it into a ball.
- Wipe the area to be covered with a cotton swab or tissue and ensure it is dry.
(If not dried properly, the wax will not stay in place.) - Attach the softened wax to the appliance.
※ Remove the wax when eating or brushing your teeth.
※ Swallowing the wax is not harmful.
※ Store the wax at room temperature (high temperatures may make it sticky).
How to apply orthodontic wax:
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If a Cavity Is Found During Orthodontic Treatment
We will refer you to your primary dentist or a general dentist affiliated with our clinic.
Cavity treatment will be prioritized, and the orthodontic appliance may remain in place if possible, or it may be temporarily removed in some areas based on the doctor’s judgment.
Rest assured that we will work closely with your dentist to ensure proper treatment. 🙇
Doctor of Dental Science (Orthodontics)
Yosuke Ujii
Dental Hygienist N.K.