I'm having a problem turning my fixed appliance

This can happen right away, before the appliance is even cemented in the patient's mouth, or can happen down the road. If it happens before you even cement it in, it is possible that there is some residual wax left on the threads of the screw that was left behind during our dewaxing process. To resolve that issue, simply run the screw under warm/hot water to dissolve the wax, this usually will resolve the issue.

 

If this happens after the appliance has been cemented in the patient's mouth, there are a couple of questions we would ask.

 

 

1)  When was the appliance inserted?

 

2)  Have they had this problem all along or is this something new?

 

First of all, it is completely normal to feel resistance when turning the appliance, but it depends on if it has been a problem all long or if it is something new. If they have had this problem all along, it could be an issue with some residual wax left on the threads of the screw, or if it's a new problem, it could be a hygiene issue, with some tartar build up on the threads of the screw, which could happen again, if they are not keeping it clean enough. If neither of these are the issue, please feel free to give us a call so we can further assist you.