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It is normal for your teeth to be sore after braces are initially placed as well as after adjustments on existing braces are made. To help relieve discomfort an over the counter medication like those used for headaches may be taken. If extreme pain persists please contact our office immediately.
If a wire is poking or causing irritation push the wire away from the affected area by using either a pencil eraser or the end of a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be pushed away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, until you can schedule a visit to address the problem.
If the main archwire has come out of the tube on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire using a pair of tweezers if this is not possible place a piece of wax over the wire to hold it in place and call our office as soon as possible.
If a bracket becomes loose but it is still attached to the archwire, use a small piece of wax to temporally hold the bracket in place. If possible, save a bracket that has broken off completely. In both situations make sure to call our office immediately to replace the broken bracket.
In case a rubber spacer that has been placed between the contacts of your molar teeth falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Separate the floss into “handles” that you can stretch the spacer with and “floss” it back in forth between the appropriate teeth. Once the spacer is back in place remove the floss.
When a piece of your appliance is accidentally swallowed, remain calm. The small piece will usually go into the stomach and pass out of the body. If extreme concern exists, or a difficulty with breathing is experienced, seek immediate medical attention.
If your retainer cracks or breaks, remove it from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office. If possible we will repair the damaged retainer.
If you cut your gums, tongue or cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding area. If severe bleeding persists call our office or general dentist as soon as possible.
A warm salt-water rinse can also be soothing if the inside of the mouth is irritated. For sores, over the counter products such as Colgate Orabase will help to sooth and numb the agitated area.
Elastics (rubber bands) are attached to your braces to generate the proper force and pressure necessary to adjust the jaw. Elastics must be worn all the time and changed regularly in order for the force and pressure to remain constant. When wearing elastics remember these things:
- Wear your elastics as instructed and remove them only
when eating and brushing your teeth. Make sure to replace the elastics
immediately.
- Elastics will become worn out and breakage can occur. Make sure to carry spare elastics with you to address this problem. It is also important for the elastics to be changed regularly even if they are not broken to insure proper elasticity.
If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off - call our office immediately. Don't wait until your next appointment. These problems need to be corrected as soon as possible!
Removable appliances such as headgear and retainers are specifically designed to move your teeth or jaw and/or to hold them in place. It is very important that your appliance is worn according to the instructions you were given. Use the following guidelines:
- Wear you appliance during the instructed times. Your
appliance may be removed whiled eating, brushing your teeth, or participating
in physical activities.
- Avoid flipping or removing your appliance with your
tongue. This action can cause damage or breakage to your appliance and even
your teeth.
- It is normal for your new appliance to cause soreness
of your teeth and jaw. If severe pain exists contact our office immediately.
- Make sure to regularly clean your appliance following
the instructions you were given. Most appliances can be brushed daily using
your toothbrush with toothpaste or soap and water. Never use hot or boiling
water to clean your appliance.
- Always place your appliance in its appropriate
container or in a designated place for storage. Never place them in a napkin
or in your pocket where they can be thrown away or broken.
- Make sure to keep your removable appliance away from
animals, as they love to chew on them, or small children who love to play with
new and different things. Never leave your appliance in the hot car or next to
a heat source.
- Remember, an additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances as well as replacing ones that no longer fit because of a shift in the teeth or jaw due to lack of wear.
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