Dr.
Abari and his Smile Team want you to know that we are always available if you
have a problem with your appliances. Please call our office if you have an orthodontic
emergency. This allows us to serve you better by giving you an appointment time
when you will have little or no wait and we can make any necessary repairs.
Most emergencies can wait to be addressed until your next appointment or until
the office reopens. Below are some potential problems and what you can do to make
yourself comfortable.
Irritation on Cheeks or Gums
When you first get your braces, the cheeks and gums have to get used to them. Rinsing with warm saltwater can help make things feel better and help any irritations heal. Also, a dab of Oral Gel can help. Placing wax on the brace or wire that is rubbing can help cushion things and speed up the healing process.
Tooth Soreness
Your teeth will be sore typically three to five days after an adjustment. Dr. Abari suggests using any pain reliever that you normally use for a headache or similar discomfort.
Loose Brace
If a brace is loose and still attached to the wire, wax can help hold it in
place until you come in to have it repaired. If a brace comes completely off,
please save it and bring it in to your next appointment.
Wire Sticking Out or Sharp
If a wire starts to poke your cheek or gum, dry the wire and brace well and place wax to cushion or you may clip the wire with a clean nail clipper. Call the office to schedule an appointment to have this repaired.
Lost or Broken Retainer
If your retainer is lost or broken, please contact our office immediately as teeth can begin shifting right away.
Separators
If the separators that were placed between your back teeth come out and there is still room to floss with triple dental floss (dental floss folded over itself to form 3 layers) - there is enough space. But, if it is difficult to pass the triple dental floss through the space, call our office and we will schedule you to come in before your next appointment to replace your separators. Remember to floss only if separators have been lost.
Poking Wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose bracket or band
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose wire
Using a tweezer, try to put your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Loose appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Headgear does not fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less as it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the prescribed hours.
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
