At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It is common to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.
If you think you may have an emergency, however, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem. Is it an urgent situation that requires immediate attention or a minor problem that you can temporarily take care of yourself until you can come into the office?
A Major Emergency
There are only a few true orthodontic (or dental) emergencies. They include:
- Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth
- Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face
- Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas
In any of these situations, you should seek help as soon as possible. For major trauma, we recommend going to an emergency room, if possible. Generally, however, the place to start is at the dental office. If, for example, you have a fractured tooth, that immediate problem requires diagnosis and treatment. Afterward, your orthodontic treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. Likewise, severe pain or swelling could be a sign of infection or disease, which also needs immediate treatment.
Some Minor Troubles
Fortunately, most orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations, but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it is best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort and then call for an appointment. Here are a few of the more common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home:
Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires
This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy or food or playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as it is. However, do not connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it is irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened and we will recommend the next step.
Misplaced or poking archwire, bracket or tie
As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire will not move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol. Before doing so, please call for guidance or instructions. Often, you can use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that is causing problems.
When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these types of problems, it is best to make an appointment so it can be taken care of by our orthodontist and team.
General tooth pain or loosening
It is normal for teeth to slightly loosen during orthodontic treatment. This loosening shows that they are moving! Sometimes this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day saltwater rinse may also help. Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.
Actual emergencies are rare and the goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. To learn more about orthodontic emergencies in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rhoda Lockett, please call Lockett Orthodontics today at 719-309-6823.