Orthodontic Emergencies or Problems
As a general rule, orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur, we are available for you. You should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have an appliance problem. We will be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. Orthodontic emergencies are just one of the orthodontic services we offer in Mt Airy, Maryland.
Loose Bracket or Band
Occasionally, a glued bracket may come loose. If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire and is not causing any irritation, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. You can remove the loose bracket and save it in an envelope to bring to the office. Call the office as soon as possible in order for us to allow time to re-glue the bracket.
Poking Wire
If a wire is poking your gums or cheek, there are several things you can try until you can get to the office for an appointment. First, try a ball of wax on the wire that is causing the irritation. You may also try using a nail clipper or cuticle cutter to cut the extra piece of wire that is sticking out. Sometimes, a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes discomfort. To do this, you may use a pencil eraser or some other smooth object and tuck the offending wire back out of the way.
Loose Wire
Using a tweezer, try to put your wire back into place. You can use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which the wire is attached. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Wire Out of Back Brace
Please be careful to avoid hard or sticky foods that may bend the wire or cause it to come out of the back brace. If this does happen, you may use needle nose pliers or tweezers to put the wire back into the hole in the back brace. If you are unable to do this, you may clip the wire to ease the discomfort. Please call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to replace the wire.
Poking Elastic (Rubber Band) Hook
Some brackets have small hooks on them for elastic wear. These hooks can occasionally become irritating to the lips or cheeks. If this happens, you may either use a pencil eraser to carefully push the hook in, or you can place a ball of wax on the hook to make the area feel smooth.
General Soreness
You may be experiencing some discomfort after beginning treatment or at the change of wires or adjusting of appliances. This is normal and should diminish within 24-72 hours.
Here are a few suggestions to help with the discomfort:
- If pain persists for more than a few days, call our office
- Rinse with warm water, eat a soft diet, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed on the bottle.
- Chewing on the sore teeth may be sorer in the short term but feel better faster