Braces have a way of turning ordinary moments into learning experiences. A lunchtime bite at Lion’s Choice in Arnold might test a bracket’s strength, and a popcorn kernel at the movie theater can spark a mini braces emergency. Luckily, Dr. Richard McDermott and the team at McDermott Orthodontics have seen every scenario imaginable and know how to keep treatment on track without missing a beat. Next, let’s talk about the most common braces issues patients face, and what to do when one pops up mid-snack or mid-school day.
1. Poking or Irritating Wires
A small wire out of place can make a big impression on your cheek or tongue. Luckily, it’s an easy fix. Press a tiny bit of orthodontic wax over the spot to smooth it out or use a clean pencil eraser to gently nudge the wire back into position.
If it keeps bothering you, McDermott Orthodontics can make a quick adjustment at the Arnold or Florissant office (no long wait required). Next, let’s move on to another common mishap: a loose or broken bracket.
2. Loose or Broken Brackets
Sometimes it’s not a big meal that causes trouble, but a small, sneaky bite of something sticky. A caramel at a Seckman High School football game or a pretzel from the Arnold Rec Center can loosen a bracket faster than you’d expect. If that happens, don’t panic. A dab of orthodontic wax can hold it steady until your next visit, and skipping hard or chewy snacks helps avoid more surprises.
When a bracket fully detaches or feels uncomfortable, Dr. Richard McDermott and the team can get you in quickly for a repair. Next, let’s talk about another tiny but mighty piece of the puzzle: those colorful elastic ties that keep everything connected.
3. Missing or Broken Elastic Ties
Those small, colorful rings that wrap around each bracket do more than just look fun; they actually hold the wire in place so your braces can keep doing their job. Sometimes one can snap or slip off, especially after a crunchy snack or while brushing a little too enthusiastically. If that happens, there’s no need to worry. The wire will stay secure until your next appointment, and the team at McDermott Orthodontics can easily replace it during your visit.
Since food can be the culprit behind many braces issues, let’s move on to one that shows up right after lunch: food stuck in braces.
4. Food Stuck in Braces
It’s amazing how one bite can turn into braces drama. A slice from Imo’s Pizza in Arnold or chips during lunch at Fox High School can leave a few crumbs caught between brackets before you even notice. The fix is simple: swish with water first, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the wires. For stubborn spots, an interdental brush or floss threader can clear the rest in seconds.
Keeping a small dental kit in your backpack or glove box makes quick cleanups a breeze. Next, let’s talk about what to do when braces make your mouth feel a little sore in those first few weeks.
5. Mouth Soreness and Tender Spots
One of the first questions patients ask is, “Do braces hurt?” The answer is that braces don’t truly hurt, but they do take a little getting used to. During the first week or so, your teeth and cheeks are learning to adjust to the new hardware, kind of like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Soft meals, like mac and cheese or soup, can help make those first days easier.
A warm saltwater rinse, orthodontic wax, and a soft toothbrush also do wonders for easing tender spots. Within a few days, things start to feel normal again, and eating gets much easier. Next, let’s move on to how to keep your braces safe during sports and other activities.
6. Sports and Musical Instruments
Braces don’t have to get in the way of the activities you love. Dr. Richard McDermott recommends a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your braces and your smile during contact sports or gym class. It fits comfortably, allowing athletes to breathe and speak without worry.
For musicians, the first few rehearsals might feel a little different, especially for brass and woodwind players. A bit of orthodontic wax on the brackets can help until the lips and mouth adjust. With practice, everything feels natural again.
Next, let’s look at another small hiccup that can happen mid-treatment: broken or lost rubber bands and power chains.
7. Broken or Lost Rubber Bands/Power Chains
Rubber bands and power chains may look small, but they do a lot of the heavy lifting in treatment. Every so often, one might snap or stretch out, usually while eating or brushing. If that happens, it’s nothing to stress over. Just make a note to mention it during your next appointment, or give McDermott Orthodontics a quick call if it’s affecting your progress.
Dr. Richard McDermott and his team keep extra supplies on hand, so getting a replacement is quick and simple at either office. Next, let’s talk about something that can quietly slow progress if left unchecked: missed appointments.
8. Missed Appointments and Staying on Track
Life in Arnold and Florissant can get packed with school schedules, sports, and weekend plans, so it’s easy for an appointment to slip through the cracks. Still, keeping up with visits at McDermott Orthodontics is one of the best ways to keep your braces progress steady. Each appointment gives Dr. Richard McDermott a chance to make adjustments, swap wires or elastics, and check that everything is moving as planned.
If you miss a visit, just call either office to reschedule as soon as possible. Both locations offer flexible times, so it’s easy to fit orthodontic care into your family’s calendar. Next, let’s move on to what happens once braces come off and how to keep your new smile on track.
9. Retainer Mishaps
Once braces come off, retainers take over the heavy lifting, and they’re easy to underestimate until one goes missing. Maybe it gets left behind after a late-night bite at Fritz’s Frozen Custard in Florissant, or maybe a curious pet discovers it before you do. Either way, a quick call to McDermott Orthodontics gets things back on track fast.
Dr. Richard McDermott can check your teeth’s position and create a replacement retainer before shifting has a chance to start. Keep your retainer in its case whenever it’s not in your mouth, and store it somewhere safe after cleaning. Next, let’s wrap up with how to handle those small, everyday snags that can pop up between visits.
10. Everyday Maintenance and Quick Fixes
Most braces hiccups are easy to handle once you know what to look for. A little wax can calm a rough edge, a soft brush can clear away a stubborn crumb, and a quick call to McDermott Orthodontics can solve just about anything else.
Keeping a few basics on hand, like wax, a travel toothbrush, and extra elastics, makes it easier to handle small surprises without stress.
The best part? You’re never on your own. Dr. Richard McDermott and his team in Arnold and Florissant are always ready to help patients stay comfortable and confident from start to finish. With a little care and communication, braces life quickly feels simple again, setting the stage for a strong finish.
Bracing for the Finish
Even the tough moments with braces add up to progress towards your new smile. With Dr. Richard McDermott and the friendly team at McDermott Orthodontics, patients in Arnold and Florissant always have a place to turn for help and reassurance. If you’re ready to start treatment or need advice between visits, book your free consultation and see how simple orthodontic care can feel when you’re supported every step of the way!