Braces Emergencies
When braces related emergencies occur, it is easy to panic, especially if you do not know what to do. While most braces related emergencies do not require care in an emergency room, they can still cause a fair amount of pain. Immediate treatment is needed not only to alleviate pain but to ensure that there is no disruption in your orthodontic treatment.
Traumatic Injury?
If you believe the injury is serious please call 911.
If your emergency is less serious than a traumatic injury, and/or it occur over the weekend or after office hours, there are things that you can do to help make yourself more comfortable until you can get an appointment.
Assemble an Orthodontic Emergency Kit
While it is possible to go the entire duration of your orthodontic treatment without every experiencing an orthodontic emergency, they are common. It can be very helpful to be prepared. With a prepared emergency kit, you are better able to deal with emergencies and alleviate discomfort until you can get an appointment. Tools to be included in your emergency kit include:
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Tweezers.
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Toothpicks.
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Paraffin wax.
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Floss.
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Cotton swabs.
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Salt. |
Soreness
When you first get your braces, or after each adjustment, general soreness is common. You may notice some tenderness in your teeth when you bite down. Typically, this soreness only lasts a few days and will disappear on its own. A salt water rinse can help to alleviate minor discomfort. If the pain is a bit more severe, an over the counter pain reliever can help.
Losing a Ligature
A ligature is the rubber band that holds your wire in place on the bracket. If the ligature comes loose, it may be possible to set it back on the bracket using tweezers. Before using the tweezers, make sure they have been sterilized. Even if you can get the ligature back in place, it is important that you call to schedule an appointment. We can check to make sure that it is properly in place. We will also look over your other ligatures to make sure none of the rest is loose.
Loose Brackets or Wires
A bracket or wire can become loose for many reasons. Common causes include a sports-related injury or biting down on a hard piece of food. If this happens, make sure that you call to schedule an appointment right away. This will allow us to reattach the bracket to your teeth and make sure the wire is positioned properly to ensure that there will be no issues with your treatment. If the bracket has rotated, turn it back to its proper position and slide it to the center of the tooth. If the bracket falls out of your mouth, keep it in a safe location until your appointment.
Protruding Wires
A broken wire and protrude. When this happens, the sharp edges can poke the sensitive tissues in your mouth, which can lead to cuts, sores, and a significant amount of pain. You can use a cotton swab to push the wire flat against your teeth. Paraffin wax can be used to cover over the rough edge of the wire to reduce discomfort. As a last resort, the wire may be clipped.
Knowing what to do during braces related emergencies can help you to avoid unnecessary panic and can help you to alleviate discomfort until you can get to the office. If you have any questions or concerns, call Naborowski Orthodontics today at (630) 543-5051.
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