| :: Emergencies |
.: Traumatic Injuries To The Mouth Or Teeth:
If you have a traumatic injury to your mouth, such as a blow that loosens or fractures a tooth, contact your family dentist immediately. The dentist will usually take an x-ray to diagnose the extent of the injury and treat as necessary. After seeing the family dentist, please call our office immediately and we will repair any damage to the braces. If you are unable to reach your family dentist, call our office and we will assist you in the care of the injury.
.: Orthodontic Emergencies:
Many common orthodontic emergencies do not require immediate attention and can wait until office hours. Follow the suggestions below to make yourself comfortable until you can be seen in our office. Use the illustration below to help you with the names of the different parts of the braces. If a painful problem occurs after hours, or if following the suggestions do not help, please call the office at (815) 877-7079 and a message will indicate how to reach the doctor.
: Lost Separator (Spacer): Separators are usually used to create space between the back molars prior to placement of the braces. If a separator falls out or becomes dislodged, try to reposition it between the teeth. If unsuccessful, please call the office for an appointment to replace it.
: Irritation Of The Lips, Cheeks Or Tongue: Use the provided wax. Pinch off a small piece and roll it into a pea sized ball. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing the irritation. If possible, dry the area first as the wax will stick better. The wax is harmless if swallowed.
: Wire Out Of The Back Brace: You may attempt to reinsert the wire into the small tube. If you are unable to reinsert the wire, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is poking and the wax does not help, use a pencil eraser to push the wire into a more comfortable position. As a last resort, you may cut the wire.
: Discomfort After An Appointment: It is normal to have discomfort 3 to 5 days after braces or retainers are adjusted. For some people discomfort may not occur at all and for others it can be somewhat longer. Soft foods, rinsing with warm salt water and using over-the-counter pain relievers may be effective.
: Lost Rubber Or Wire Ligature Tie: Tiny rubber bands (usually colored) or small fine wires hold the arch wire into the brackets. If one comes off, call the office for a quick appointment to replace it.
: Sharp Or Poking Wire: Use a pencil eraser or Q-tip to push the wire into a more comfortable position. You can also try placing wax on the sharp or poking wire.
: Loose Bracket Or Band: In most cases the brace will remain connected to the main wire by a small rubber ring that is often colored. You may use a pair of tweezers to reposition the brace for comfort. You may also use a toothpick to remove the color tie allowing for removal of the loose bracket. Call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to reattach the brace.
: Biteplate, Retainer Or Headgear That Fits Poorly, Is Lost Or Broken: Call the office as soon as possible for repair or replacement. Bring the appliance and any pieces with you to the appointment.
: Loose Permanent Retainer: Call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to re-glue the retainer. If the wire comes completely off, save the wire and bring it with you to the appointment.
: Broken Arch Wire: Call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for evaluation.
: Swallowing Or Aspirating A Piece Of The Braces: Fortunately this is rare, but if it occurs it can be alarming. Remain calm. If you are able to see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it. But do not make the attempt if it would cause harm. Most of the time the piece will be swallowed and pass out of the body through a bowel movement. If there is coughing or difficulty breathing it is likely that the piece has been aspirated into the lungs and you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physician will counsel you on options for retrieval of the stray piece.
 A. Elastic or wire ligature tie holding the
arch wire to the brace.
B. Arch wire held in place by ligature ties.
C. Brackets or bands with the wire inserted.
D. Metal bands wrap around the tooth. Bands
are normally used only on the back molars.
E. Hook on brace for rubber bands.
Courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists
.: Mouthguards:
We recommend wearing mouthguards while playing sports. If you have not already received one, please let us know and we will provide you with one suitable for the sport you play.
| | | |
