Yikes! Second adjustment

[Gia]

Yesterday was my second adjustment, and yet another loose braces on one of my crowns put back. I was in 16 niti top and bottom and it never stopped hurting in some fashion over the past six weeks. Orthodontist encouraged me to try bigger wire, and at first was going to put 18 niti just on top and leave the bottom, thinking it would make me less anxious to go gradually. Then changed his mind, told me he didn't think I would notice the difference and went with 18 on both. Ha! He's delusional if he thinks it doesn't feel different!! As always he gives me the option to call and we'll back off if it makes the anxiety/panic worse. It's really tender, painful and tight right now But I know that's normal. I completely trust him and know if I can't manage it he'll figure something out, so... since I'm not having panic attacks anymore, only anxiety, I'm good! The only problem now is that the wires have started poking me. They were fine when I left there yesterday. Has anyone had this happen? Thanks for all the support over the last 3 months!!!

[assertives]

The only problem now is that the wires have started poking me. They were fine when I left there yesterday. Has anyone had this happen? Thanks for all the support over the last 3 months!!!

Oh yes. All the damn time.

They start poking because your teeth have moved, hence the wire becomes "longer". I have had this happened to me quite a few times but it's usually the top that bothers me to the point where is too painful to eat, and each time, I would just go back to my ortho to get help to trim the wire. If it hurts, just go in and get it trimmed.

[Gia]

Thanks Assertives! I'll call tomorrow. Hard to believe they could move like that just overnight!!

[Gia]

Went back yesterday and he ground down all the wires instead of cutting them. It really helped, but something is still irritating the sores that are there. I've tried salt water and peroxyl mouthwash. Any other suggestions?

[assertives]

Is the area still sore because it's not healed yet or because the wire is still poking? If the area is still sore cause it's not healed yet, then try tea tree oil. I've found it to be by far the fastest most effective topical treatment for all my cuts and sores spots from braces. I take a drop on to a cotton bud, gently rub it on the sore spot and then I leave it there untouched for about 5 mins. During these 5 mins, I take care to not swallow saliva because it's a little toxic to ingest. Then I rinse it off thoroughly. Works in just 1 application.

[Gia]

I think it's just not healed and brackets are irritating. It was all 4 archwires poking so my cheeks are a mess. I'll get some today. At a health food store? Thanks!

[assertives]

I got mine from my local pharmacy. Perhaps you can find it at a pharmacy or cvs.

[Speck]

try tea tree oil...Works in just 1 application.

Helpful information--thanks!

Is it wise to refrigerate it?

[braceace]

Please be careful applying tea tree oil! It's poisonous when ingested! https://www.poison.org/articles/2010-dec/tea-tree-oil

I recommend skipping the tea tree oil and using dental wax to cover the brakets/areas that are still hitting the sores. that's what I did, and was healed up in about 3 days. Mouths heal fairly quickly when given the chance!

[Speck]

Indeed, seems to be the case:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supple ... t-20364246

[Gia]

Good to know! Fortunately the sores have improved a lot in the past day, so I'll keep using the peroxyl for now. Hope this doesn't happen with every adjustment.

[Speck]

Hi, Gia, hope all is well. How is treatment going?

[Gia]

I'm doing well, thanks Andy. I had to go back again for poking wires. They don't cut them but have the orthodontist grind them instead. They feel it's less likely to put pressure on the bracketed crowns I guess. I've had a couple of panic attacks with the bigger wire feeling tighter this month, but nothing like they were before, so I'm good and can manage it. My next adjustment is the 16th. I'm a little nervous about what's next, but I'm sure I'll manage

How about you? How's it going with the switch. Are you managing easier?

[Speck]

It's nice to hear that you're doing well! I wonder if the snipping-pliers can't get to a short wire end and, therefore, it needs to be ground down? I'm guessing you still have eighteen NiTis? The whole business of ortho treatment takes "some getting used to", for sure. It isn't until such time they set up cones you'll have reason to worry.

Thanks, Gia, new arch-wires and box elastics went in two days ago, so things are a bit tender right now. I had a market steak (the size of which would've satisfied the appetite of a sumo wrestler) and sourdough bread the day before this last appointment. I seldom treat myself to that kind of thing, so it was great!

The toughest thing now is dealing with super-heavy 3mm elastics in a box configuration; difficult to place. A mirror and elastics tool are an absolute "must".

[Gia]

Andy, elastics sound interesting to say the least. I'm still in 18 niti. My next adjustment is 2/16. I don't know what to expect. He doesn't tell me in advance. I think it may be his way not to get me anxious, as he couches any change as "ready to try...?" And I think may go a little slower and not do too much at one time. Since I have hooks on canines and molars I guessing elastics are in my future. It's hard to believe it's already 4 months! Hope you get used to the elastics quickly. 3mm sounds awfully tight.