WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they occur, we are at your disposal to help you. As a general rule, you should always contact the office if you experience severe pain or when you have a problem with an appliance that is causing you pain and you cannot resolve it yourself. We will be happy to schedule an appointment to solve your problem.
You may be surprised to learn that you are able to temporarily resolve many of the orthodontic problems that may arise, at least until you can come in for an appointment. As a user of orthodontic appliances, the patient should be familiar with the names of each of the parts that make up their appliances so that they can identify them in case they become damaged or loose. Even if you temporarily resolve the problem with your appliances or manage to relieve your discomfort, it is very important that you contact us at the office as soon as possible so that we can schedule an appointment and correct the problem. If you allow your appliance to remain damaged for too long, your treatment plan could be affected.
THE FOLLOWING SOLUTIONS CAN HELP YOU RELIEVE DISCOMFORT:
Poking wire
With a pencil eraser, push down the wire that is poking you or, if this does not work, apply wax to the wire to try to relieve the discomfort.
Loose bracket or band
If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave them where they are and cover them with wax. If the wire comes out completely, wrap the bracket in a tissue.
Loose wire
With small tweezers, place the wire in its correct position. If after doing this and applying wax you still feel discomfort, we recommend that, as a last resort, you use a small nail clipper and cut the wire behind the last tooth to which it is attached. If the discomfort continues, apply wax to the wire.
Loose appliance
If the appliance is poking you, apply wax to the part that is causing you discomfort.
Headgear discomfort
General pain
After your braces are placed, you may experience general pain in your mouth, as well as sensitivity in your teeth when biting; however, this discomfort only lasts three to five days and can be relieved with a warm salt water rinse. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 225 ml of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. Applying Orobase to the affected area can also help; this product can be purchased at any pharmacy. If the pain is very severe, take an aspirin or any other pain reliever you normally use for headaches or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one or two weeks while they become more resistant and get used to the texture of the braces. To reduce irritation, you can apply wax to the braces. We will show you how to do this.
OTHER TREATMENTS
