Self-Help
Removable Braces
Broken braces or wire
If the braces still fit and are stable enough in the mouth, they can still be worn. Contact the clinic to move up your next appointment.
Braces no longer fit or are uncomfortable
a) If the braces have a screw that has been turned: Turn the screw against the direction of the arrow and see whether the braces fit again. Do not readjust them more than three times by yourself. Once the braces fit again, increase the daily wearing time and adjust them again normally after one week. Inform your dental care specialist at the next appointment.
b) The screw was not turned and the braces have not been worn in a while or there are loose milk teeth in the mouth: Contact the clinic immediately and make an appointment as soon as possible.
c) If the braces are pressing on the gums, please contact the clinic and make an extra appointment.
Lost braces
Contact the clinic immediately and make an extra appointment as soon as possible. Without the braces, the misalignment of the jaw can worsen again quite quickly, which would result in a significantly longer treatment period. Health insurance companies are usually accommodating and will cover the cost of a new set of braces.
Fixed Braces
Loose bracket or band
a) If the bracket or band is still attached to the archwire: Leave it where it is, cover it with orthodontic wax if you can and make an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible to have it repaired. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment!
b) If the bracket or band is no longer attached to the archwire: Carefully try to remove the loose part and make an appointment as soon as possible to have it reattached. Please bring the loose part with you to the appointment.
Wire has come loose
If possible, try to replace the wire into the bracket or band using a pair of tweezers. Otherwise cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax and make an appointment immediately.
Wire or bracket is sticking out
Apply orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum to the bracket or protruding wire end and make an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible.
Lost elastic ties, wire ties or rubber bands
Call the clinic and ask whether an extra appointment is required.
Hook (Kobayashi) for attaching rubber band is broken
Aside from the wire hook, if there is still a rubber mount on the affected bracket, try to attach the rubber band around the entire bracket and keep wearing it. You can have it checked at your next regular appointment. If the rubber band does not stay on the bracket or the archwire is not attached to the bracket, please contact the clinic immediately and make an appointment as soon as possible. Do not attach any rubber bands before your appointment.
Chafing
Cover the part of the braces that is causing the irritation with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum (especially at night). If there is no improvement after two days, contact the clinic and make an extra appointment.
Inflammation of the Gums
a) If there is a band on the affected tooth, check whether it has come loose and has shifted towards the gums. If so, push the band back towards the crown of the tooth and make an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible for a repair.
b) If there is no loose band or bracket, inflammation of the gums is generally due to poor oral hygiene. In severe cases, carefully and thoroughly clean the surface of the teeth and rinse your mouth with an anti-inflammatory mouthwash, available at the pharmacy. If there is no sign of improvement after two days, contact the clinic.
