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Orthodontic First Aid
- If the main wire has come out of the brace or tube on a back
molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle
nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place
a piece of wax over the area. If a wire is sticking, push the
wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or cotton
swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end with a
small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum.
If the wire is sticking you and these measures do not help, the
wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close
to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional
help is unavailable
- If a brace comes loose from a tooth, it usually remains connected
to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers
can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire
and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office at your earliest
convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit
to repair the loose brace(s), since repairs of this nature usually
take additional time.
- If your teeth become sore after a visit, we generally recommend
that you take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). This, of course, is the protocol
only if there are no known allergies to these medications. Rinsing
with Peroxyl or a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also
be soothing.
- If a part of your braces or your retainer breaks, save the piece
and call to set up a repair visit.
- If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth
while you have braces on, don't panic! This is usually normal
and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly
in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
- If a rubber spacer falls out, you can try to replace it your
self by threading a couple pieces of floss through it and then
pulling it under and up between the teeth. Then remove the floss.
- If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that
usually means there is a local area of infection. Continue to
keep the area clean by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with Listerine.
If a particular area is painful or you notice a bump of any sort,
you should address this to your orthodontist as soon as possible.
- If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or
a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
- If all these measures are unsuccessful, you may call Dr. Gill
at (407) 491-7632 cellular or (407) 381-2091 home/ leave a message.
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