Hello - When i first got braces, like four weeks into them i woke myself up because i somehow managed to clench my teeth down so hard it snapped the farthest back brace right off! then i clipped the wire and somehow made another one fall off. After I went back to the orthodontist, they replaced the brackets and wire and sent me on my merry way. That was exactly four weeks ago. and guess what. Last night i woke up choking because there was a back bracket trying to navigate to my stomach.I've already scheduled an appointment, but unfortunately i wont see the orthodotist for two weeks.Whats with the four week mark? I'm not eating chips or nuts or anything hard, every once and while i'll suck on a hard candy mint but i wont push it the side of my mouth. What am i doing wrong??? What can i do better? Live on liquid!? Help! I'm sick of this! I've clipped the wire as close to the next bracket, but still poking and to had more problems, the wax doesn't feel like sticking today.
I wore braces for 2 1/2 years. I had my braces adjusted every three weeks. My orthodontist recommended the three week appointments because it allowed for the braces to be removed sooner and I would not have to wait so long to address any problems with loose brackets, discomfort, etc. A couple of times I had a bracket pop off and had a similar problem that you are having with a wire poking my cheek. I called my orthodontist's office and they squeezed me in for an appointment the same day. You should call the ortho office and tell them that the wire is poking your mouth, the wax doesn't work and that you need an appointment as soon as possible. Two weeks is much too long to have to deal with that kind of irritation in your mouth. Also, ask your orthodontist if you can have your adjustment appointments every three weeks. The brackets are most likely popping off because of the movement of your teeth combined, as you stated, with clenching. Every case is different but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Be sure to discuss all of your concerns at your next appointment. By the way, the braces were definitely worth the time, pain and expense! Good luck. I hope this helps. I just read your additional details re: you can't get an earlier appointment. Have you tried different brands of the braces wax? Some work better than others. The one that worked best for me is Orthodontist's Choice Mint Wax for Braces. After you attach the wax to the problem area try holding some ice water in your mouth for a few seconds to help set the wax. Also, try avoiding foods that require a lot of chewing such as steak and chops. Fish, rice and pasta were my diet staples during the braces years. Ice cream is great, too! For minor irritation in the mouth my dentist recommends consuming dairy products, especially milk, as they coat and sooth the mouth tissues. It works for me. I hope some of this helps you find relief while you await your next appointment.
You should ask your orthodontist. LIke i had to get glue(triad) on the back of my two front teeth so i wouldnt bite off the brackets. Maybe put some wax on the brackets so you chew on that instead.
