Orthodontic Emergencies: Your Guide to Quick Solutions
Helpful Hints
We never want you to be uncomfortable with your orthodontic treatment. The following are helpful hints in dealing with some of the common minor problems we see.
Your teeth are usually sore after an orthodontic visit, this is due to the adjustments done on your braces to move your teeth and should normally get better after a few days. If the discomfort gets progressively worse after 5 days, call the clinic. Common pain killers like panadol can help to relieve some of the discomfort .
IF......
- If a wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with relief wax or tuck it in if you can . A broken wire will need to be replaced and adjusted, call the clinic.
- When the teeth are moving very fast usually at the start of the treatment, extra wire will tend to stick out at the end of your braces. If this bothers you , come back to the clinic to have them cut.
- If a separator comes out, this generally means enough space has been created and the separator has become dislodged. You may call the clinic to inquire if the sep will need to be replaced or not.
- A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until the next appointment. They are usuall still attached to the arch wire but if they do come off, keep them and bring them on your next appointment.
- If the very last bracket comes off, your wire may feel long and may poke your cheek, call the clinic.
- If you are in an accident and sustained a direct injury to your mouth and teeth, you should always be seen by your general dentist (or the emergency room at your local hospital) as soon as possible. If your braces have been broken or damaged, they can be replaced or adjusted afterwards.
- If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth while you have braces on, don't panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
- If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that usually means there is a local area of infection. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing and flossing and the condition should improve. If a particular area has a lump or some discharges, call the clinic.
- If your retainers crack or got lost, return to the clinic within a week to have them replaced.