During orthodontic treatment with braces, situations that require urgent intervention by your doctor are RARELY encountered. Most of the time, you can intervene in any mishaps yourself and report the situation to your doctor on the next appointment date.

What are the tools that can treat braces at home?

• Dental Floss
• Tweezers
• Ear Swab
• Pencil with Eraser
• Nail Clippers
• Salt Water Gargle
• Interface brush
• Toothpick (Plastic or Silicone)
• Mouth Sore (Cancer) Creams
• Orthodontic Wax (Ask your doctor)

 

 

Below are some emergencies in brace treatments and what you should do;

 

I Feel Pain?

It is normal to feel mild pain for 7-10 days after the braces or appliances are placed. Paracetamol-derived painkillers will easily relieve this feeling of discomfort. 

The difficulty you experience while eating or speaking is normal, please remember that this is temporary. During the acclimatization process, choose small bites and soft foods. Gargling with salt water can help relieve lip and cheek tissues faster. In case of discomfort lasting more than 10 days, you can contact your doctor.

Dental Braces Sinking? 

Dental braces may shift as the teeth straighten and may extend behind, causing irritation. A Q-tip or pencil with eraser can be used to hold the growing wires against the teeth. 

If you cannot push the braces into a comfortable position, you can try covering them with orthodontic wax. If your next appointment is near, candles will help you manage the situation. However, if candles do not work or your appointment is in a distant date, the growing strands may need to be cut. 

You can cut the extended or protruding end of the braces with a sharp nail scissors. It is necessary to get help from someone else for this process. It should not be forgotten that the cut wire piece should NOT be swallowed and should be removed from the mouth. 

 

 

 

Did Sores Form in My Mouth?

Dental braces can cause irritation on the cheeks and lips, especially while eating. Some people's oral tissues are more prone to wounds and aphtha formation. Although these sores are not emergencies, they can be uncomfortable. Creams or ointments that you can get from the pharmacy can be applied to these wounds with the help of ear swabs. You can re-apply the recommended amount by reading the instructions for use of the product you are applying. 

The most effective way to ensure rapid healing of irritations and wounds in orthodontic treatment is to ensure oral hygiene. In a clean oral environment, wounds heal faster, cause less discomfort, and tissues recover faster.

Bracket Broken/Broken or Wire Loose?

The brackets used in orthodontic treatment are pieces that are glued to the middle of each tooth and hold the wires. Brackets attached to the teeth with strong adhesives can be dislodged by hard foods or impact. If one of the brackets has become loose or has come off, you can consult your doctor. Sometimes immediate intervention is not required to reposition the brackets and the next appointment date can be waited. 

Tire fell or came out?

Elastics that hold the bracesSometimes it can come off. If you can, you can try to replace the tire with the help of tweezers. Unless you have pain, you do not need to see your doctor until your next appointment date.

When one tire goes out, others may share the same fate. Inspect all tires and contact your doctor if you notice other tires are missing.