Common Problems

Common Problems

When your braces first go on, you may experience two different types of discomfort: an overall soreness (this may also occur after routine tightening of orthodontic wires) and some irritation from the wires and brackets themselves. The general soreness should start to go away in a few days. In the meantime, a warm, wet compress held to the jaw can be soothing. Over-the-counter pain-relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may also be helpful. During the first few days, try eating a softer diet of foods like oatmeal, pasta and soup.

If any wires or brackets rub uncomfortably on the insides of your lips and cheeks, try using the special wax you were given at the office. Place a small amount of the wax over any protruding brackets or wires to smooth those rough areas and make them less irritating. This discomfort will also subside over time, as the insides of your cheeks and lips toughen up in response to the presence of your braces. To help ease the irritation, try rinsing with warm saltwater (add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water). Occasionally, the wire must be clipped to solve the problem. We can take care of this for you — just call the office and let us know you need to come in.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/abnormal-eruption.png

Abnormal eruption

Abnormal eruption is when a tooth emerges through the gum in the wrong place. If the tooth is blocked from growing in fully (a situation called impaction), a minor oral surgical procedure may be required to uncover the tooth before orthodontic treatment begins.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Crossbite.png

Crossbite

Crossbite is when one or more of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This is usually related to misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. In a child who is still growing, widening the upper jaw with an orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander may solve the problem.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Crowding.png

Crowding

Crowding results from a lack of space for the teeth to fit normally within the jaws, either because the teeth are too big or the jaws are too small. Possible solutions may include removing some teeth and/or making more room in the jaws with a palatal expander or through a surgical procedure.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Excessive-spacing.png

Excessive spacing

Excessive spacing may result when one or more teeth fail to grow in, are lost to trauma or disease, or there is a discrepancy between jaw size and tooth size. It's important to close the gaps because excessive space allows nearby teeth to shift out of position.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Open-bite.png

Open bite

Open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not come together when biting, resulting in an open space between the two. This is often the result of tongue thrusting (also called infantile swallowing pattern) and/or prolonged thumb sucking.

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Overbite.png

Overbite

Overbite (deep bite) is when the upper front teeth bite too far down over the lower teeth. Sometimes the bite is so deep that the upper teeth cover the lower teeth completely, forcing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth (palate). This often results from a discrepancy in jaw size.
 

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Overjet.png

Overjet

Overjet (protrusion) is when the upper front teeth extend too far forward or the lower teeth don't extend far enough forward. This may be related to genetics, improper jaw development, missing lower teeth and/or improper alignment of molars. Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the problem

https://plazaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Underbite.png

Underbite

Underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth. It can be caused by overgrowth of the lower jaw and/or undergrowth of the upper jaw. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve conventional orthodontics and/or jaw (orthognathic) surgery.

If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth, or your children’s teeth, please schedule a consultation at the dental office. We would be happy to advise you about your treatment options.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our orthodontic treatments, personalized care approach, and advanced alignment solutions.

What do orthodontists do?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.

Why should I (or my loved ones) get orthodontic treatment?

There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you — it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.

When should orthodontic treatment be started?

You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment — but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age.

How can I recognize a potential bite problem?

Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed View Examples. Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate,
speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make
sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.

Does getting braces hurt? What about wearing them?

Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.

How long will treatment take?

It's different for each person, but generally the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) may take from 6-30 months. After that, a retainer is worn.

How often will I come in for an appointment?

It depends on what's being done, and how often you need to be monitored. During active treatment, you'll typically come in to our office once every 4 to 10 weeks.

Will I need to have any teeth extracted?

If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) — or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) — then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

Will I have to watch what I eat?

Yes — you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Will I be able to play sports/ play my instrument?

In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist while I'm getting orthodontic treatment?

You do — in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.

Will I wear a retainer when my braces come off?

Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position — and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.

Is orthodontic care very expensive?

Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.

Related Articles

The-Magic-of-Orthodontics

The Magic of Orthodontics

Proper alignment of the teeth is basic to "Smile Design."

Read More
Palatal-Expanders

Palatal Expanders

Orthodontics is more than just moving teeth.

Read More
Thumb-Sucking-Affects-Bite

How Thumb Sucking Affects The Bite

Thumb sucking can actually block the front teeth from.

Read More
plaza-group
Our Mission

Exemplary care.
Confident smiles

To provide exemplary care and confident smiles to all our families

Book Appointment Now