Introduction
This blog post dives into common orthodontic emergencies and provides guidance on how to address them effectively. It highlights issues such as loose brackets, wires, lost separators, loose appliances, broken appliances, and more that patients may encounter during their orthodontic treatment. The post goes on to talk about the importance of seeking professional assistance from an orthodontist to resolve emergencies promptly and prevent further complications. By offering practical tips on temporary solutions like using wax or scheduling an immediate appointment for replacement parts, this article empowers patients with the knowledge needed to navigate orthodontic emergencies with confidence and ensure their treatment progresses smoothly.
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!
Poking Wire
Like loose brackets, a patient may notice that one of their wires seems to be protruding and needs to be adjusted. This can happen for various reasons, such as biting down too hard or eating something sticky or chewy.
Tip for home – wax: Take some dental wax and place it over the loose wire. This should help to alleviate any discomfort until you’re able to go and see your orthodontist.
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.
You may need to visit an orthodontist for replacement parts. This will help you get back on track quickly!
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 treatment.
Pressure from Braces
Patients may notice that their mouth can become a bit sore – especially for those who are adjusting to their new life with braces. If the soreness does not go down after a few days, make an appointment with your orthodontist.
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.