Wednesday, June 18, 2014

An Urgency…Not an Emergency


You just got your braces on and you’re home from your appointment, taking selfie’s and posting your picture on Instagram for all of your friends to see. Then, you feel it…your mouth is tender, a wire is poking your cheek, your teeth are sore and your next appointment is scheduled for 8 weeks from now. You’re uncomfortable…it’s an emergency and you need help now!
Photo provided by mysmiledoctors.com.au
Many orthodontic problems are not actually true emergencies. You may be surprised at just how many things can be remedied right in your own home…by you. If you keep a few tools and supplies on hand, most orthodontic concerns, like, poking wires and mouth soreness can be fixed without scheduling an emergency appointment at all. 

You will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic urgencies as long as you have the following handy:
  • Orthodontic relief wax
  • Tweezers
  • Small, sharp clipper
  • Q-tips
  • Salt
  • Non-prescription pain reliever

Easy Solutions for the Most Common Orthodontic Concerns 

Soreness can be expected for 3 – 5 days after an adjustment.  You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) as you would for a headache or similar discomfort. Warm salt water rinses several times a day will help alleviate the discomfort and help your mouth feel “back to normal” much more quickly. 

When you first receive your braces or orthodontic appliance, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket, wire or appliance. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues.  

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when you are eating. A small amount of wax makes an excellent buffer between your braces and your mouth tissue. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The wax is harmless, so don’t be afraid to eat while it is in place. 

If a wire is causing you irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an appointment.  

If the main wire has come out of the tube on the back tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers. As a last resort, if you cannot come into our office, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clipper close to the back of the last brace (bracket).

These helpful tips and tricks will help you Be Calm and Smile On.

No comments:

Post a Comment