What to Do in a Braces Emergency
While most people go through their entire braces journey without any major complications, there are smaller issues that can come up from time to time. We have compiled a list of both emergencies and common issues, along with what to do if they happen to you.
Common Problems with Braces
You Experience Pain or Discomfort
After you get your braces and sometimes just after they are adjusted, you can experience soreness and discomfort in your mouth. A non-Aspirin pain reliever can help. You can also swish lukewarm salt water in your mouth or apply a warm pad to aid in pain relief. However, if you are experiencing sharp pain, please call our office.
Loose Wires
It is normal for a wire to come loose, especially if you have eaten something hard or sticky. If you notice that one of your wires has come loose, first make sure that all of the surrounding brackets are still securely attached to your teeth. Then, see if you can gently push the wire back into place. A clean pencil eraser can help you guide the wire back into the bracket. If you just can’t seem to get it to go back in its place, call our office to schedule an appointment.
Protruding Wire
If one of your wires has become completely dislodged, first try to guide it back into place with a pencil eraser or q-tip. Sometimes tweezers can make it easier to try to place the wire back in the bracket. You can cover the end with orthodontic wax so that it doesn’t scrape against the inside of your mouth, causing irritation. If the wire won’t stay in place, we will need to fix it in our office.
Sores or Irritations in the Mouth
Sores or irritations in your mouth can be a common issue with braces. You can possibly get ulcers from the brackets or loose wires rubbing against your cheek, tongue, or lips. In the instance that this becomes painful, you can place orthodontic wax over the bracket or wire so that it doesn’t rub or poke your mouth. You can also sooth irritations with Orajel.
Loose Brackets
If you notice that a bracket has become loose, call our office immediately. We may need to see you in the office to fix it. Brackets can oftentimes become loose after an impact from sports or a car accident, or from eating something too hard. If you notice that your bracket has come completely off, put it in a bag or envelope to bring with you to your appointment.
In the Case of an Emergency, Call Parris Orthodontics!
Our goal is to get you through your time with braces emergency-free. However, if you experience severe pain or if one of your brackets or wires comes completely off, we are here to help. Call our office in Germantown, TN, to set an appointment, and we will get you in as soon as possible. If you have any questions about a braces-related issue, feel free to call us.
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