Emergencies are very rare in orthodontics, but if they do happen, we want you to feel prepared and supported. Here are some issues that could arise during treatment, and what you can do to make yourself more comfortable until you book an emergency appointment with our team.
If the end of your archwire is sticking out and irritating your cheeks or tongue, you can use a pencil eraser to push the pokey wire down. You can also place dental wax over the wire to stop it from rubbing. Then, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can fix your wire.
If a bracket or band has detached from your tooth but is still attached to the wire, you should put wax on it to prevent it from poking you and leave it in place. If the wire has come loose, you can try using tweezers to put it temporarily back in place before adding dental wax.
In any case, please contact our team so we can fix your appliance as soon as possible. If the bracket comes completely detached, please bring it with you to your next appointment so we can reattach it for you.
If your mouth feels tender after fitting or adjustment appointments, don’t worry - it’s completely normal. Your teeth and jaws are simply learning to accommodate the new appliance or positions, and there is no need for alarm.
Any soreness you experience should resolve in three-to-five days, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers or rinse your mouth with salt water for relief in the meantime. If your appliance is irritating your cheeks or lips, you can put wax on your brace as a barrier.
It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little loose during orthodontic treatment - after all, they need to change positions! Once your teeth have adjusted to their newly aligned positions, they will no longer feel loose.
The team at Impression Orthodontics is always happy to help you. If you are concerned about your treatment, or have a pressing question, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
