 EMERGENCIES
While we know that orthodontic "emergencies" are not life-and-death situations, we recognize that situations may occur that cause discomfort. Perhaps a wire will break or you accidentally eat something that causes a problem. We've provided the information below to help you prevent those types of emergencies and also to answer some of the most common questions regarding these special situations.
Teeth, when moving, are really tender for about a week after the initial placement of the orthodontic appliances and also after each adjustment. (Similar to a headache type of feeling). Discomfort can be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin. Follow the dosage recommendations on the bottle. Some patients find it helpful to take the first dose at the appointment time to help prevent some of the discomfort to come when the teeth start to move.
During the first two weeks, the inside of your cheeks will be tender because they are not used to the braces. As time goes by, the inside of the cheeks will toughen up. While the cheeks are still overly sensitive, using wax on the rough spots can be very helpful. Also helpful are warm saltwater rinses which soothe the cheek lining (see instructions below).
Some inconveniences while going through treatment are normal. Many times repairs can be put off until your next regular appointment. Of course, we are here to serve you and encourage you to call any time you have a question.
» Click here to view a diagram of your braces
The 5 best treatments for preventing orthodontic
appointments:
| 1. |
Q: |
PREVENTION
OF BREAKAGE: |
| |
A: |
Avoid hard, sticky foods. No chewing on ice, pens, pencils, or fingernails! |
| 2. |
Q: |
WAX: |
| |
A: |
If you have an area that is poking, use a small piece of wax, roll it into a tiny ball and apply to the sharp area. In place of wax, some people find sugar-free gum works well. |
| 3. |
Q: |
NON-PRESCRIPTION PAIN RELIEVERS: |
| |
A: |
Discomfort can be relieved by over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin. Follow the dosage recommendations on the bottle. |
| 4. |
Q: |
WARM
SALTWATER RINSES: |
| |
A: |
Soft tissue inflammation can be helped with a warm salt rinse. Put about a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse several times. Repeat as needed. |
| 5. |
Q: |
THOROUGH HOME CARE: |
| |
A: |
A clean mouth is a healthy mouth! If the gum tissue bleeds easily or is swollen,
brush more, not less (even if it bleeds). Flossing
is even more important than brushing to keep
plaque from forming in between teeth where the
gums usually tend to get puffy.
Remember bleeding is a sign of disease (gum
disease). If the bleeding doesn't stop after
about a week you're probably still leaving some
plaque behind. Ask us about better brushing
and flossing tips.
|
When To Call the Office
- 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday, and 8:00am-4:00pm on Friday: (913) 469-9191
- Loose bands, brackets, Herbst crowns or broken wires: We will schedule a comfort visit appointment or repair as needed.
- When something is causing sharp pain and can't be kept comfortable with wax or non-prescription pain relievers.
- Something changed or is missing so that you can't follow the instructions from the last appointment. For example, the attachment for rubber band wear is missing, etc.
- Lost or broken retainers: call the office ASAP during regular office hours to be checked and/or to prepare for new retainers.
- If you lose or run out of rubber bands or wax, call the office and arrange to have some mailed to you, or you can stop by the office and pick some up fast! (Wax can also be purchased at most pharmacies.) NOTE: In a pinch, a piece of sugar-free chewing gum can be a temporary aid in place of wax!
- The after-hours on call Patient Manager can be reached 5:00pm-9:30pm Monday-Friday, and 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday or Sunday: (913) 221-6730
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