We all know that life gets in the way, and sometimes not for the best. At Huls Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to be healthy and happy, but we also know that accidents or serious ailments can occur unexpectedly. While one may get a serious dental emergency, there are very few cases involving orthodontic emergencies. However, many do not even know they could be suffering from an orthodontic emergency in the first place. We have listed a few incidents that may cause concern, and what to do in these situations.
- Lost Separator: The most common emergency to occur is when someone loses their separator. Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
- Loose Bracket: Another problem that should be called for attention is that if you notice a loose bracket. First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.
- Loose Wire: If you notice that a wire is loose, you can try different methods to fix it. Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.
- Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment: Most of the time, discomfort with braces or Invisalign are normal. If you are starting with a new treatment plan or have had your aligners refitted/adjusted, pain or soreness is common. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. You can also gargle lukewarm salt water, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws. This type of situation is normal and emergency care is not needed, but if pain still persists after a couple of days, please feel free to contact our office.
Most of these cases can be remedied at home, or at least can be tolerable until your next appointment. These guidelines are meant to resolve minor problems, and if you notice anything more concerning, please contact us as soon as you can. If you do alleviate the pain caused by a broken appliance, you must still make a repair appointment so your treatment plan can go back on track. We want to ensure all of your orthodontic appliances are in good condition and functioning well.
Call Huls Orthodontics For Your Next Appointment!
We are conveniently located in Monticello and Champaign, so please, never hesitate to drop in if you are experiencing a problem with your braces. Our friendly staff and orthodontist are here to help, even when small problems arise! To schedule your next appointment, contact us today! We look forward to seeing you again!