My brace feels sharp or rough

A new or recently adjusted brace will sometimes feel rough. It will take a few days to get use to this as the lips, cheeks and tongue become accustomed to the brace. It may take a little longer for this if you have a lingual brace.

The brace should not be sharp. If it is excessively sharp, have a closer look at the brace and see if you can identify the cause. You may be able to find a solution in one of the other pages at My brace is fixed. If you are unsure, you should contact the practice.

Rinsing with warm salt water (a teaspoon of spoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) for 60 seconds 3 to 5 times a day may help alleviate any discomfort to your mouth.

Orthodontic wax can sometimes be used on a fixed brace to reduce any discomfort. A small pea-sized amount of the wax is rolled between your thumb and index finger until it is soft. It can then be placed on the offending part of the brace. If you do not have any orthodontic wax, use some of the waxy coating of a Babybel cheese. If the wax does not stay on well, use a larger piece or try to dry the area that you want the wax to stick to. Use some kitchen roll or a handkerchief.

If you feel the brace is excessively rough or sharp, or you have used the wax for a few days and no improvement is experienced, contact the practice for an earlier appointment.