Patient Resources

Everything you need to know to care for your smile throughout treatment.

Common Orthodontic Issues

Crowding

When there is not enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit normally, teeth overlap and twist. Crowding can make it difficult to clean teeth properly, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Spacing

Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth, teeth that are too small, or a jaw that is too large. Spacing issues can affect appearance and allow food to become trapped between teeth.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower front teeth. A deep overbite can cause wear on the lower teeth and jaw discomfort.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. This can cause difficulty chewing, speech problems, and accelerated tooth wear. When present in even the youngest children, it should be treated as soon as possible.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. It can affect one tooth or multiple teeth and may cause uneven jaw growth if left untreated.

Open Bite

An open bite means the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed. It can make biting into food difficult and may contribute to speech issues.

Overjet (Protruding Teeth)

Overjet refers to upper teeth that extend too far forward horizontally over the lower teeth. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to injury and can affect facial appearance.

Midline Misalignment

When the center of the upper front teeth does not align with the center of the lower front teeth, it can indicate underlying jaw or bite problems that may need correction.

Orthodontic Emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but knowing what to do can save you discomfort and a trip to the office. For any urgent concern, call us at (336) 286-5800.

Loose or Broken Bracket

If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum to prevent irritation. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

Poking Wire

Use the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If it cannot be moved, cover the end with orthodontic wax. Call us if the discomfort persists.

Broken or Lost Wire

If a wire breaks or comes out of the bracket, carefully remove it with tweezers if it is loose, or cover the sharp end with wax. Contact our office as soon as possible.

Loose Band

If a band (the metal ring around a back tooth) becomes loose, save it and call our office. Do not try to re-cement it yourself.

Lost Aligner or Retainer

Contact our office right away. Depending on your stage of treatment, we may ask you to wear the previous aligner or retainer until a replacement can be made.

Mouth Sores or Irritation

Rinse with warm salt water. Apply orthodontic wax to any bracket or wire causing irritation. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can also provide temporary relief.

Swallowed Appliance

If you believe you have swallowed an orthodontic piece and are experiencing difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. If you feel fine, contact our office.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in your appliances. Avoiding them protects your investment and keeps treatment on track.

🦷Hard Foods

✕Hard candies
✕Ice
✕Nuts
✕Hard pretzels
✕Popcorn
✕Hard rolls or bagels
✕Raw carrots (unless cut small)
✕Corn on the cob

🍬Sticky & Chewy Foods

✕Caramel
✕Taffy
✕Gummy bears
✕Licorice
✕Tootsie Rolls
✕Chewing gum
✕Dried fruit
✕Fruit roll-ups

🥤Sugary Foods & Drinks

✕Soda and sports drinks
✕Juice with added sugar
✕Candy
✕Cookies and cake (in excess)
✕Energy drinks

🍎Foods That Require Biting Into (If you can hear it crunch, it's too hard)

✕Whole apples (slice them instead)
✕Corn on the cob (cut off the cob)
✕Whole carrots
✕Crusty bread or pizza crust
✕Ribs or chicken wings (cut meat off the bone)

Have More Questions?

Our team is always happy to help. Reach out or schedule a consultation today.