Can I Visit Orange County Smile Design for an Orthodontic Emergency?
While genuine orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, we want you to know that we are here for you when they do occur. As a general guideline, if you encounter severe pain or are dealing with a painful issue related to your orthodontic appliance that you cannot resolve on your own, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll swiftly arrange an appointment to address the problem.
Managing General Soreness
After having your braces placed, you may experience some general soreness in your mouth, with teeth feeling tender when biting for three to five days. During this time, stick to a soft diet until chewing discomfort subsides. You can alleviate soft tissue discomfort by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. For severe tenderness, consider taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated as they adapt to the braces’ presence. Applying wax to the braces can help alleviate this discomfort, and we’ll demonstrate how to do it.
Managing Headgear Discomfort
Discomfort may arise if you’re not wearing your headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please consult the instructions provided by your orthodontist for proper usage. If the facebow (metal piece) becomes bent, contact our office for assistance. Remember, the more consistently you wear the headgear, the less discomfort you should experience over time.
Dealing with Loose Appliances, Brackets, and Wires
When dealing with discomfort from loose orthodontic appliances, brackets, or wires, promptly address the issue by applying orthodontic wax for immediate relief. If you encounter any concerns or discomfort, please contact our office for professional assistance, avoiding any DIY fixes or adjustments.
LOOSE BRACKET
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.
LOOSE WIRE
Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with 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 the end of the wire is still sharp place wax on it.
Alleviating Discomfort from Poking Wires
To ease discomfort from poking wires, use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire down or apply wax to the protruding area until it no longer causes irritation.
