Handling Orthodontic Emergencies with Care
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you find yourself in discomfort or facing a problem with your appliances, follow these steps for temporary relief and contact our office promptly to schedule an appointment. We're here to assist you.
When to Call:
● For severe pain or a painful appliance issue that you can't manage on your own.
● Anytime you experience an orthodontic emergency.
● A broken ligature band (colourful rubber band on bracket) is not an emergency
Temporary Solutions:
You might be able to address some issues at home until your scheduled appointment. Familiarize yourself with the names of the parts of your appliances to identify the problem. After providing temporary relief, it's crucial to call us to schedule a repair appointment promptly.
● Call our office promptly for professional assistance.
● Avoid leaving appliance damage unattended to prevent disruptions in your treatment plan.
Common Emergencies and Solutions
Poking Wire:
● Use a pencil eraser to push the poking wire down.
● Apply wax to alleviate discomfort.
Loose Bracket or Band:
● Leave the bracket or band attached to the wire if possible.
● Apply wax if it's still attached. If the wire comes out, wrap the bracket with tissue.
Loose Wire:
● Use tweezers to place the wire back into place.
● If unsuccessful, as a last resort, use small fingernail clippers to clip the wire behind the last securely fastened tooth.
Apply wax if needed.
Loose Appliance:
● If a part of your appliance is causing discomfort, apply wax to the offending area.
General Soreness:
● Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) to alleviate general soreness.
● Apply Teejel or Dynexan from your local pharmacy to the affected area.
● If needed, take Panado, Ibuprofen, mybulen or your usual headache/pain reliever.
Irritation to Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue:
● These areas may become irritated initially. Apply wax to lessen irritation as your mouth toughens.