In this blog post, we will cover the most common orthodontic emergencies and how to treat them so that you can get back on track as quickly as possible!
Loose Brackets
Brackets can become loose for a variety of reasons. It is important to note that brackets should never be tightened by the patient but rather by an orthodontist because doing so could cause damage to the tooth and other surrounding teeth. Many factors can make braces loose, such as chewing gum or eating sticky foods, playing with brackets, or wiggling them while talking.
The solution to this problem is to visit an orthodontist in Surrey so that they can tighten the brackets. In some cases, a simple adjustment should be enough to get the braces back on track!
Loose Wire
Like loose brackets, a patient may notice that one of their wires seems a bit loose than normal and needs to be adjusted. This can happen for various reasons, such as biting down too hard on the wire, eating something sticky or chewing gum, and even sleeping with your mouth open. However, there are some things you can do to fix this problem at home:
Use Wax: Take some wax from a dental kit and place it over the loose wire. The resin should be sticky enough to stay in place but not too thick to cover the entire bracket.
Visit an Orthodontist: If neither of these options works, it is best to visit your orthodontist for further assistance.
Lost separator
Separators can sometimes get lost and fall out, especially if they happen to be on an upper molar where there is not a lot of space. If this happens, some patients may notice that their wire starts moving around more than usual or even becomes super loose.
Visit an Orthodontist: If none of these options work, you will need to visit an orthodontist for replacement parts. It may seem like a hassle, but at least you will get back on track quickly!
Loose Appliance
A patient may notice one day that their appliance has become loose compared to other days. This problem usually happens for various reasons, including eating sticky foods, playing with brackets or wiggling them while talking, or even sleeping with your mouth open. And just like the other problems, there are some things you can do to fix this issue at home.
Take some wax from a dental kit and place it over the loose wire. The wax should be sticky enough to stay in place but not too thick so that it covers the entire bracket.
Broken Appliance
Patients can also notice that their appliance has become very loose and even start to bend. If this happens, it’s essential not to try wiggling the appliance because you could potentially break it. A broken appliance will need to be replaced by an orthodontist before continuing your appointment.
Root Fracture
Patients with braces can also experience a root fracture. This usually happens because of an accident or playing too hard and biting down on something hard without realizing it! If you are unsure whether your tooth is fractured, make an appointment with your orthodontist to make sure.
Pressure from Braces
Patients may also notice that one side of their face becomes increasingly sore. If the soreness does not go down after a few days, make an appointment with your orthodontist to avoid further problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways that you can prevent orthodontic emergencies during your treatment. You can avoid chewing gum to prevent the brackets from getting pushed out of place, and you should also be careful while eating sticky foods because they can get caught in between your braces and wires. If anything gets stuck in-between your teeth or wires, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist right away.