Emergency Care
True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but if one occurs then you should contact our office immediately. If you sustain trauma to your teeth while wearing braces and it results in dental fractures or severe displacement with pain then you should contact your general dentist and alert our office as well. You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your braces to remain damaged for an extended period of time can result in damage to your teeth and gums as well as extend your treatment. Our clinical coordinators carry pagers so you can always reach someone.
The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:
Poking Wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking end of the wire and place wax over it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose Bracket or Band
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax over it. Limit your diet and contact our office to arrange an appointment for a repair. If your bracket or band becomes entirely loose, then wrap it in tissue and bring it to your next appointment. Always call and inform us if you have a damaged appliance since repair will take additional time which will need to be scheduled for you.
Loose Wire
If you bite or chew too hard, then it is possible for you to displace or dislodge your arch wire. Using small tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. Carefully hold onto the free end when you are clipping the wire. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it. Be sure to contact us about the problem.
Headgear Does Not Fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Surprisingly, headgear may cause less discomfort if worn more, so be sure you are getting in the recommended number of hours of wear. You should not wear your headgear with facebow during athletic activities. If the facebow becomes bent, then please call our office for assistance. Be sure to bring your headgear with you to all appointments.
General Soreness
Please contact us. We're here to help you. When you first get your braces, you may experience a generalized soreness to your mouth and the teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. The use of a mild analgesic such as ibuprofen may be quite helpful in getting you through this initial period of soreness of your teeth. Also rinse with warm salt water.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen up and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. The use of wax on the braces will lessen this. We'll show you how!
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