Many of the problems that adults and children experience with orthodontic appliances can be managed at home using the kit we give our clients after having braces applied.
As long as you visit our office within a couple of days after dealing with a minor orthodontic emergency, your overall treatment should not be impacted. We will examine the issue and repair it. Be sure to make good oral hygiene your top priority. Also, wearing a mouth guard when engaging in sports is the best way to prevent both minor and major orthodontic emergencies.
Common Orthodontic Problems and How to Handle Them
Many of the issues that our patients experience after having braces applied or adjusted can be temporarily solved at home. It is good to understand the names of the parts of the appliances that you use in order to identify the issue quickly. This will allow you to get the relief you need immediately and then tell us the problem when scheduling an appointment. Be sure you do not allow an appliance to remain damaged for a long period of time. This can impact your treatment plan.
General Soreness
You are likely to experience general soreness and a feeling of tenderness when chewing for the first three to five days after having braces applied or adjusted. The easiest way to relieve this tenderness is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You can easily make this mouthwash by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the solution. It is also possible to take pain medication to alleviate discomfort. If the pain persists for more than five days, contact us to schedule an evaluation.
You may notice that your lips, tongue, and cheeks feels sore as they are getting used to the braces. They need time to toughen and get accustomed to coming in contact with the new surfaces. Using wax in areas where you feel sensitivity is helpful.
Loose Appliances, Brackets, and Wires
If the appliance is poking you, placing wax on it can be helpful. Schedule an appointment, and we will examine the loose appliance.
If the band or bracket is attached to the wire, do not adjust it. Place wax on it. If the bracket has completely come out, it can be wrapped in a tissue. You should then contact us in order to have it examined and repaired.
A loose wire may be addressed with wax. Or you could use tweezers to try to put it back in place. If these things do not help, cut the wire. Make the cut behind the last tooth where the wire is securely fastened. Place wax on it, and contact us to schedule an appointment.
A Poking Wire
A poking wire can cause discomfort. You may be able to adjust it using a pencil eraser. Also, place wax on top of it. If these things do not help, contact us to schedule an evaluation.