What to do in case of emergency
True orthodontic emergencies are not common, but if they occur we have highly trained staff available to assist you with your needs. If you are experiencing severe pain or have any concerns, you should call the office as soon as possible. If it is after hours, there is a phone number for you to call for assistance. If you are out of town or unable to reach someone at our office, you may seek assistance from your local emergency room.
There are a few orthodontic situations that may occur that can cause temporary discomfort. There are home remedies that you may want to try to help alleviate the discomfort . Please call our office at your convenience to schedule a time for our staff to address any concerns you may have. Below are a few tips to help alleviate any discomfort you may have.
Loose or Broken Bracket
Loose brackets typically occur with in the first 12 hours of the bracket being cemented and may caused by excessive moisture during cementation or by bumping the bracket during the first meal. Other reasons this can occur may be eating hard or sticky foods or playing with your braces. If the bracket remains on the wire you may place wax over the bracket for comfort. If the bracket is off the wire, save the bracket and bring it with you to your next appointment. Call our office to schedule a TLC or Repair appointment during regular business hours. Unless severe pain or discomfort occurs this is best taken care of during regular business hours.
Long or Poky Wire
As your teeth move sometimes it is possible for the wire to shift as well as become bothersome to the cheeks, gums and/or tongue. First attempt moving the wire by sliding it away from the irritated area simply by using your finger or a new pencil eraser. If this does not resolve the problem attempt placing wax. After attempting the correction, if the problem continues you may try to use a nail clipper or wire cutter cleaned with alcohol to clip the wire. Call our office for an appointment if the problem is not resolved.
Loose Wire or Wire Out
Many different wires are used though out your orthodontic treatment. Some of these wires are very flexible, because of this it is possible for the wire to come out of the bracket. If the wire comes out of the bracket attempt to replace the wire using a tweezer. Damon braces have individual doors. If you notice that a door on one of your braces is open, you may attempt to close the door using your finger tip or a pencil eraser. You may also try placing wax over the wire to help hold it in place. If this concern is not resolved, contact our office during regular business hours to schedule a TLC or Repair appointment.
Poky Wire Ties
Periodically metal ties called wire ties are used around the brackets. If these wires start to poke, you can use a pencil eraser to redirect the wire until it is no longer bothersome. If you can not resolve this with redirection place wax over the bothersome area until you are able to be seen for a TLC or Repair appointment.
Tooth Discomfort or Soreness
With all the advances in technology, orthodontic treatment is far more comfortable today that is has been in the past. Often times the discomfort is compared to an over exerted muscle, similar to that after a strenuous workout. Discomfort will typically subside within 72 hours of your appointment. Follow the recommended soft food diet and taking over the counter pain medication as needed, similar to what you would take for headaches and/or other aches and pains. You may also notice sores or cuts inside your mouth. This is normal as your body makes adjustments to having braces or other appliances in your mouth. Place wax over the bothersome part of your braces creating a cushion between the braces and the mouth tissue. The discomfort usually subsides within a few days. If it persists, call our orthodontic office for further advice.
Accidents Involving the teeth
By all means your normal daily life can continue during your orthodontic treatment! Mouthguards are recommended to be worn during sports and available for purchase at our office or at a sporting goods store. However, accidents involving your teeth may still occur. If an accident happens during you orthodontic treatment call your orthodontist, dentist or local emergency room immediately.