Emergency Care
Orthodontic Emergencies:
Here are a few common problems that could occur during the course of treatment:
Athletics:
If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard may be advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.
General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 1 to 2 days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. If tenderness is severe, take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for 1 to 2 weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
Loosening of Teeth: This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.
Loose Wire or Band: Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. Usually it is a result of eating hard or sticky foods. If the wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (the back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliance. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
Care of Appliances: To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.
Brushing:
Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is a project that requires careful attention, a diligent commitment and even some lifestyle adjustments.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean with regular brushing is a good idea anytime. Now that you have braces, proper dental care will take a little extra time and effort. In the end, that time spent will be well worthwhile. By taking good care of your teeth now, you'll get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
Because dental hygiene is so important, regular visits to the family dentist must continue every six months during orthodontic treatment (or more often, if recommended). Adults who start orthodontic treatment and or have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist. Remember that successful orthodontic treatment is the result of a partnership. The orthodontist, family dentist and, especially, a cooperative patient all work together to create a healthy, beautiful smile that's good for life.