Chances are you won't have a true orthodontic emergency during your treatment because they're rare, but it's still important to be prepared just in case.
Here's a handy guide on how to handle various orthodontic issues, listed from minor to more severe. You'll only need to contact our office for an emergency visit in very urgent situations.
Mild Discomfort
You might feel a bit sore for a day or two after we adjust your braces or retainers, which can make eating a little uncomfortable. Don't worry! This is normal and will pass quickly. To feel better, stick to soft foods and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You can also consider taking a standard dose of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, like Tylenol or Advil, to help you feel more comfortable.
Food Stuck Between Teeth
Though it's not an emergency, having food stuck between your teeth can be annoying and embarrassing. Usually, you can fix this with dental floss. For better results, tie a small knot in the floss to remove the food or use an interproximal brush or toothpick.
Irritated Lips or Cheeks
New braces can sometimes irritate your mouth. If you're having this problem, use a pea-sized piece of non-medicinal relief wax to create a buffer between the metal and your mouth. Pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, flatten it, and place it over the part of your braces causing the irritation.
If you swallow the wax, don't worry! It's harmless.
Mouth Sores
Factors like stress or minor injuries can cause mouth sores on your cheeks, lips, or tongue, and they can be made worse by your braces. For quick relief, apply a small amount of topical anesthetics like Orabase or Ora-Gel directly to the sore with a cotton swab and reapply it as many times as you need.
Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands
Brackets can get knocked off if you eat hard foods or get hit in the mouth while playing sports. Therefore, wearing a protective mouthguard during sports is always a good idea. If any part of your braces becomes loose, give Dr. Dyer a call to determine the best course of action. If a bracket is loose and sticking out, you can temporarily fix it with sterile tweezers until you can visit our office.
Ligatures Coming Off
Ligatures are small rubber bands or fine wires that hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber ligature comes off, you might be able to put it back in place with sterile tweezers. For a loose wire ligature, you can remove it with tweezers.
Finally, if a wire ligature is poking into your lip but isn't loose, gently bend it back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser. Check all your ligatures if one pops off, and notify Dr. Dyer of any missing or broken ligatures.
Protruding Wire
Sometimes, the end of a wire can move out of place and irritate your mouth. You can push it flat against the tooth with a Q-tip or pencil eraser. If the wire can't be moved comfortably, cover it with relief wax and let Dr. Dyer know about the issue.
If it's very bothersome and you can't schedule a visit to our office soon, you may carefully clip the wire using sharp clippers, making sure to avoid swallowing the piece by using tissue or gauze around the area.
Swallowing a Piece of Your Appliance
This problem is very rare, but if it happens, try to stay calm. If you're coughing a lot or having trouble breathing, the piece might be in your airway or lungs. If you can see the piece, try to remove it carefully. If not, and you think you've inhaled it, call Dr. Dyer immediately.
Check your braces for any damage and treat any resulting issues as described above.
Did You Have an Orthodontic Emergency?
Most orthodontic issues can be handled at home, but never hesitate to reach out to us if you're unsure or if the problem seems serious. Call us today for a consultation!
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