Are You Experiencing an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are few and far between, but when they do happen, our orthodontic team is available to assist you. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible if you experience severe pain or a troublesome appliance problem that cannot be fixed at home. We will help you schedule an appointment with the orthodontists to address the problem.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that is sticking out. If the wire has slid to one side, you can pull it back to the other side with needle-nosed pliers, replacing it in the tube on the back tooth.
After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Your treatment plan may be disrupted or delayed if you allow your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time.
Tips to Alleviate Your Orthodontic Discomfort Before Visiting Our Office:
General Soreness
After receiving braces, you may experience general soreness in your mouth and your teeth may be sensitive to biting pressure for three to five days. You can help your mouth heal by eating only soft foods until your teeth are no longer tender. If you have irritated gums and other sore areas, we recommend rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mixture, which you can create by dissolving a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of water. A better-tasting alternative is the Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist. You can also try placing Orabase, which is found in pharmacies, on the affected area. For severe tenderness, headache pain relievers such as Tylenol may help. We do not advise frequently taking Aspirin, Ibuproften, or Naproxen Sodium, as these can slow tooth movement. It is normal for the lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for a week or two as they become accustomed to the braces and their new posture. If you would like, we can show you how to place wax on the braces to lessen discomfort.
Loose Appliance
Place wax on any part of the appliance that is poking you before contacting our office.
Loose Bracket
If the loose band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place an apply wax to reduce any discomfort. If it can be easily removed, place it in a bag or envelope to prevent it from becoming lost before you visit the orthodontist.
Loose Wire
First, put the wire back into place with a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers. You can secure the wire into place by tying floss around the bracket to replace the missing band. If you cannot reposition the wire or cover the end in wax, clipping the wire behind the tooth is a last resort. Place wax on any sharp ends to avoid injury.
Poking Wire
You can use a pencil eraser to push down the poking wire, or place wax on the end so that it no longer causes discomfort.
Call Us Immediately
For further information about handling orthodontic emergencies, contact Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics at (702) 243-3300. We encourage you to call us immediately if you experience an orthodontic emergency in Las Vegas, Nevada, or a nearby area.
