What is a Herbst appliance?

If orthodontic wax is unavailable, short-term alternatives include silicone putty (used by brace wearers as a moulded cushion over brackets), dental comfort strips (pre-formed silicone barriers), and sugar-free soft cheese or bread as a very temporary barrier in an emergency. These alternatives are stopgaps only — they do not fix the underlying bracket or wire issue. If a bracket is rubbing severely or a wire is poking, contact your orthodontic practice to arrange a repair rather than relying on wax indefinitely.

Yes, in many cases. Missing teeth can actually create an opportunity — braces may be used to close the gap entirely, or to create or maintain space for an implant, bridge, or denture later. The treatment plan depends on why the tooth is missing, the size of the gap, the bite, and the patient's age. A combined approach involving an orthodontist and a restorative dentist is common when implants or prosthetics are planned after alignment.