Managing orthodontic emergencies at home
As your trusted orthodontists in the Fayetteville, NC area, we aim to provide patients with care even outside of the office, especially when unexpected issues arise. Here’s a quick guide from our team to handling common orthodontic emergencies.
1. Loose Brackets or Bands
If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little rubber colored ring. Eyebrow tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. If a band is loose, try to temporarily fix it with orthodontic wax until you can visit our office. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can exacerbate the issue.
2. Protruding or Irritating Wires
If a wire is poking into your gums or cheeks, you can use a pencil eraser to gently push it back or cover it with wax for temporary relief. If this doesn’t help, contact us promptly.
3. Mouth Sores
Sometimes braces can cause sores on the inside of your lips or cheeks. Rinsing with a saltwater solution and applying orthodontic wax to brackets can alleviate discomfort.
4. Broken Brackets or Wires
If you experience a more significant issue like broken brackets or wires, it’s best to arrange an appointment for repair as soon as you can.
5. Spacer Falls Out
If a rubber spacer falls out, use two strands of dental floss to thread through the spacer. Tug on both strands to elongate the spacer, then maneuver it back and forth between the two teeth where it was originally placed. When the lower portion of the spacer manages to slide beneath the snug area between the teeth, let go and extract the floss. The spacer should then be correctly repositioned.
6. Cracked Retainer
If a retainer cracks, remove it from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for a professional repair.
7. Tooth Pain
Take Aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen (unless allergic) if your teeth are sore after a monthly visit. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. If your teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, give us a call. It is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.
8. Accidental Cuts and Bleeding
If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding does not clot, call us.
9. Accidental Swallowing
Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. It typically will pass on its own. However, if you experience difficulty breathing seek immediate medical attention. X-rays can be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.
Remember, while these tips can help manage emergencies, they’re temporary solutions. Always schedule a visit for a thorough check. Prioritizing your orthodontic health ensures a smoother, more effective treatment. Our team is committed to providing swift and comprehensive assistance during your orthodontic journey.
Stay proactive about your dental health and always feel free to reach out for any issues or concerns. We’re here to keep your smile on the right track!
