Think of any orthodontic treatment problem you may have as either a repair or an emergency. If you have a problem between your regularly scheduled appointments, call our office. Repair appointments are not emergencies. However, repairs often require special appointments that allow more time to properly repair the braces. So call us as soon as you notice a problem. Remember, any appliances that are broken or that you removed should be saved and brought with you to your repair appointment.
It is normal to experience discomfort of the teeth and gums from certain aspects of your orthodontic care. Typically, the discomfort will last three to five days for most patients. A pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil, may help relieve some of the discomfort. If there is any discomfort that cannot be relieved with Advil or Tylenol, please contact our office (804) 747-7447.
Soreness can be expected when you are fitted for braces and after regular adjustments. To help ease discomfort, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and eat only soft foods until your mouth feels better. Also, chewing on a nylon bit wafer several times per day, (included in your “survival kit”) for 20-30 minutes following an adjustment will decrease soreness. Research has shown that “exercising” with the bite wafer is effective for the first 24 hours.
Emergencies
Emergencies require immediate attention. They include severe pain, profuse bleeding and suspected infection or injury. It is unlikely that you will experience an emergency, however, if you have any of these problems, call the office immediately.
Repair Problems (Please note these are not emergencies)
- Loose Bands or Brackets – If the band or bracket is still tied to the archwire, cover with wax if an irritation occurs. Brush well around this area. If the band or bracket is not secured to the archwire, remove with finger pressure. Save your band or bracket and bring them with you to your repair appointment.
Loose Archwire – Sometimes an archwire can become dislodged from a molar band when eating certain foods. This is very common with more flexible starting wires and partial braces (Phase I). Replace the archwire into the tube of the band with tweezers using the opposite side of the mouth as a guide. If replacement is not possible, clip the archwire with small wire clippers.- Broken Archwire – Cover the loose end with wax or clip with small wire clippers.
Loose Tie Wires – Remove with your fingers or tweezers. If not removable, tuck inward (use the eraser end of a pencil) to eliminate the irritation.- Ties – Remove with your finger or tweezers.
- Broken / Lost Appliances – If your retainer or your headgear is broken, stop wearing it! Keep the pieces and call for an appointment. If you lose an appliance, call the office for an appointment. Note: If a retainer is broken, please bring the model on which it was made, along with the retainer.
- Poking Wires – Cover the “poking ends” with wax or sugarless gum to prevent further irritation or carefully clip with small wire clippers.