Common Problem with Braces and How to fix them?

Braces

Common Problem with Braces and How to fix them?

Medically Reviewed by Whistle Dental Team
Written by Dr. Wynne Velazquez

Jun 09, 2026 · 14 min read

Dental Braces do the correction of teeth which are not in their proper position ie either Crowding, Spacing, Twisted, overlapping etc.

Though nowadays, as with advancement in technology, a new modality called Aligners has replaced Braces as the results achieved by both are almost the same. But still Braces can be the choice of any individual being for a longer time in the market and the traditional modality .

Contents

How do Braces work?Problems Faced with Braces and their solution

How do Braces work?

They apply constant controlled pressure using wires, brackets and elastics to move the teeth to the desired position.

Basically the process of bone remodelling occurs ie. bone resorption when pressure is applied leading to space where the teeth are to be moved and bone formation occurs on the place from where the teeth have moved.

In this whole journey of achieving the desired results a person faces many problems. To make the journey smooth solution to all these problems is needed.

Problems Faced with Braces and their solution

1. Mild discomfort

Mild discomfort or pressure occurs which is temporary, usually occurs on the first day or whenever your braces are tightened. Orthodontist /Dentist usually advice prior for any discomfort or pain , still in case contact your clinic .

2. Wires or brackets hurting or impinging into the soft tissues

Basically inner side of cheeks, lips,gums etc .Orthodontist /Dentist usually advice prior for the same & provide /prescribe orthodontic relief wax .Placing wax over the rough surfaces ie. brackets and wires, which are impinging will help out.

3. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers /Mouth sore occurs sometime when the wire or brackets impinge on the lips or on the inner side of cheeks. First of all try to prevent it from happening by applying dental wax. Rinsing with salt water will help out .Orthodontist /Dentist usually advice prior for the same & provide /prescribe topical gels for the same . Also for early healing add Vitamin C to your diet.

4.Maintaining oral hygiene

Maintaining oral hygiene becomes more tough when you are having braces as Plaque and tartar accumulates more on brackets and wires leading to caries, gingivitis ( inflammation and swelling of gums or sometimes only bleeding gums). This problem can be overcome by following simple methods like:

a. Brushing twice daily using a soft bristle tooth brush.

b. Doing Floss daily once a day between teeth and around your braces.

c. Use alcohol free antibacterial mouthwash daily twice a day.

d. Visit a Dentist for regular cleaning of your teeth and routine dental checkups.

5. Dietary Restrictions

As such because of pressure on your teeth because of minor adjustments (basically tightening and maintenance) done by an Orthodontist on every visit it is a little bit hard to eat. Apart from that you have to stick to soft foods like soups, yogurt, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, oatmeal etc. As the discomfort wears off, start adding other foods to your diet. But make sure to avoid hard and sticky foods such as nuts, caramels etc.

6. Changes in Speech

One might feel slight lisp or difficulty in pronouncing certain words. Can be overcome by speaking slowly , your tongue might take some time to adapt to these changes. Within a few weeks the problem will get resolved.

7. Broken wires and brackets

Also for early get broken or the bracket might shift from its place. In such cases try to visit your dentist as quickly as possible. Meanwhile if the wire is impinging on the inner side of your cheek or lips, apply orthodontic relief wax to ease discomfort.

8.Chewing Difficulty

Sometimes you might feel your tongue is getting restricted , cheek and lips movement making it tough to chew. One will get adapted with time. Shifting to a soft diet will certainly help.

9. Chapped lips

After getting the braces done lips rest at different positions because of braces , leading to cracking and peeling of lips. Vaseline or any oil based gel can be used as a solution. Increased intake of Vitamin C and water will help out.

10. Food trapped in Braces

Food debris might get trapped in brackets and wires can lead to caries if not cleaned after every meal. So the solution is to brush after every meal with Ortho brush. If not cleaned properly can lead to white spots on teeth and ultimately caries.

11. Bad Breath

Bad breath can occur if oral hygiene is not maintained with braces. So it is highly recommended to maintain Oral hygiene.

12. Allergic reaction

Some people are allergic to the rubber latex used in braces. Though this is found rarely. But still if present shift to the other type of Braces according to your need as among Braces also many varieties are present.

13.Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Due to uneven pressure resulting from movement of teeth it can lead to teeth grinding and soreness in your jaws, headache, clicking sounds . Usually such situations are transient, in such cases consult the dentist for a better solution.

14. Loose bands and spacers

Bands and spacers being part of Orthodontic movement are needed for moving the teeth to the right position. But sometimes they get loose due to what a person eats. In such cases consult the Orthodontist and don’t try to take care of them on your own as one might land up in trouble.

15. Treatment time gets extended

The difference between braces done in Children and adults is that adults have fully developed structures i.e. bone, teeth and jaws which are less resilient to change which automatically increases their time period. Also if you are skipping your monthly visits, not following the guidelines as told by the Orthodontist then obviously your treatment time will get extended. Patient compliance is equally important in Braces as well as Aligners.

16. Relapse

Relapse occurs when teeth move or shift back once the braces are removed. So the result achieved does not remain as such and there occurs imperfections or deviations from the result achieved , hence retainers are provided once the treatment is completed to prevent the relapse. So, wearing of the retainer as prescribed is a must.

17. Psychological and Social Factors

With age people become self conscious regarding wearing braces as it negatively impacts their social interactions and affects professional life as well. So now a days, people are opting for Aligners instead of Braces. Whistle Aligners are available in India matching International Standards.

18. Damage to tooth roots and tooth pulp

In very complex cases where treatment time is very long , when excessive force is applied it can lead to resorption of the roots, damaging the tooth pulp leading to a dead tooth and ultimately root canal. So, choose a trained Orthodontist who is specialised in the Braces and Aligners. In Clove and Whistle we have a team of Orthodontists rather than a single Orthodontist to help you out in your journey towards Perfect and Healthy Smile.