What To Do When You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
Loose or poking archwires
If a part of your braces becomes loose or breaks, it’s most likely not an emergency and can be taken care of with a follow up visit.
Soreness from Braces
It’s normal to experience discomfort for a day or two after braces are put on or adjusted at future appointments. It’s not an emergency, but it can be uncomfortable when trying to do things like eat, especially with pediatric patients. Eating soft foods for a couple of days may help. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help as well.
Mouth Sores from Braces
Because of the brackets on traditional braces, you might experience a few mouth sores. These sores may appear inside the cheeks, or on the lips or even on the tongue.
Applying a topical anesthetic like Orabase or Ora-Gel will help you feel better, as well as help the sores heal. Reapply the anesthetic as often as you need to and be sure to apply it with a cotton swab so you don’t introduce the area to possible infection.
Food Caught Behind Braces
Getting food stuck in between your teeth and behind your braces can be a little uncomfortable and even a little embarrassing, but there’s an easy fix. Simply tie a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food as you push the floss behind the bracket.