What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are rare. But we’re here to help if it happens. If you feel significant pain or you can’t take care of the problem yourself, call our office at (570) 675-1138 right away. Dr. Paul Adams will make sure you get the appropriate care.
Problems You Can Fix at Home
There are many types of orthodontic issues that don’t require immediate emergency assistance. For example, if part of your appliance comes off, you can put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it to your next appointment.
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, you’ll likely feel some soreness in your mouth and your teeth may be tender when you bite for a few days. Sticking to a soft diet can help make chewing easier.
If tenderness still bothers you, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen can help until your mouth adjusts. You’ll want to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium too often because they inhibit tooth movement.
Adjusting to Your Braces
Your gums, lips, and tongue may take time adapting to your braces. Your braces take up room in your mouth, and these soft tissues will adjust to having less space.
As you get used to your braces, rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help. You can do this by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinsing thoroughly.
We can also provide wax to put on any sharp edges of your braces that may be irritating your mouth. We’ll show you how to do it, and you can ask for more wax at any time.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth begin to feel a little loose, there’s no need to panic. It’s a natural part of the process because your teeth must become looser in order to be moved by your braces. Though it may feel strange, your teeth will be safe and they won’t remain loose when they’re repositioned.
Headgear
If you feel discomfort while wearing your headgear, check to make sure you’re wearing it correctly. Discomfort is often the result of not following orthodontic instructions. The headgear should also become more comfortable over time.
If your facebow is bent, please call our office at (570) 675-1138 so we can fix it.
Loose Appliance
If part of your appliance becomes loose and it’s poking you, placing wax on it will help with the discomfort. If the loose part still bothers you, call our office so we can assess your appliance and ensure it’s secure.
Loose Bracket
If your bracket comes loose and it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it for comfort. If the bracket can be removed easily, hold on to it and keep it safe for your next appointment.
Loose or Poking Wire
If you have a loose wire that’s bothering you, you may be able to bend it back into place using tweezers or needle-nosed pliers. You can also tie a piece of floss to the wire so you can move it into place. If you can’t get the wire to a comfortable position and wax doesn’t help, you can clip the wire.
Dr. Adams Is Here for You
If your orthodontic issue can’t be solved at home, we’ll fix it for you. To contact our office, call (570) 675-1138 or fill out the easy contact form on this page. We’ll get right back to you and provide the help you need.