What can be done about the pain?
The elastics constantly exert force and tension on the teeth already fitted with fixed braces, putting a double load on them. Wearing the braces during the day can cause pain and muscle tension. The users complain about stiff muscles that hurt like sore muscles or about immobility of the lower jaw if they loosen the braces.
In order to counteract the pain, the user should open the mouth in a targeted manner with exercises in order to loosen any stiffening. If the gums are removed, ten to twenty repetitions are sufficient, in which the mouth is opened to the maximum. This keeps the chewing muscles active and supple.
The user can also use his hands to perform circular movements to loosen the muscles. A massage of just five to ten minutes is enough to relax the chewing muscles. In this way, knots can also be massaged out. If these exercises do not help, the patient must visit the treating orthodontist to have the pain treated and, if necessary, change the therapy with the elastics or use other strengths of the elastics.
What can be done if braces get stuck between the teeth?
The clamping of braces rubber in the interdental spaces is an occasional phenomenon, the user can try to get under the wedged rubber with reinforced dental floss and remove it. A steady hand is necessary for this. Likewise it can be tried to get under the rubber of the braces with interdental brushes and to push it out of the interdental space.
The placer of the Elastics can also be used to release the rubber ring from the gap. If the rubber is to be wedged, the treating orthodontist or dentist should be consulted so that the rubber can be removed gently. Do not try to remove the rubber with sharp objects such as a toothpick, as this would increase the risk of injury or the rubber would be pressed even deeper into the space between the teeth when trying to remove it. If the braces rubber is left like this, the gums can become inflamed and thus cause unpleasant pain. Therefore the rubber should be removed as soon as possible.
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