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In regard to discomfort and day-to-day function, orthodontic emergencies are typically of a mild nature. However, we are here to help you if you experience any problem with your braces. Please email us a picture of the area in your mouth that's bothering you at info@grandoaksortho.com and we will try our best to respond in a timely manner.
In the event that you feel that you have an emergency that can’t wait until our office is open, you can contact Dental Emergency Services at 416-485-7121.
This is not an emergency but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing patient. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
It’s normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. We reassure you that the discomfort is both normal and temporary. Encourage biting on soft foods. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If you are allowed to have over-the-counter pain relievers, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be effective.
Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency but may be very uncomfortable for the patient. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed.
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially while eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably. If the wax is accidentally ingested it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.
In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome, and you are not scheduled to see us anytime soon, as a last resort, you may clip the wire. Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.
If the braces have come loose in any way, please call the office to determine appropriate next steps.
Brackets are the parts of braces attached to teeth with a special adhesive. They are generally positioned in the center of each tooth. The bracket can come loose if you have eaten one of those hard or crunchy foods that you were supposed to avoid, or if the mouth is struck while at play. We encourage you to wear a protective mouth guard while playing sports. If the bracket is off center, the adhesive may have failed. Call our office and we can help you determine the course of action.
(No Dentist Referral Required)
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