Braces
Modern day braces are surprisingly comfy and there are very few actual orthodontic emergencies. We’ll fill you in when you schedule your free consultation by contacting us at (402) 592-3200 or [email protected]. However, the occasional mishap can arise. If that’s the case and you’re already one of our Papillion, La Vista, Ralston or Bellevue, NE braces patients, give us a call right away and, if necessary, we’ll squeeze you in to fix the problem. In the meantime, here are a few tips and tricks for temporarily handling issues at home:
Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth are feeling sensitive after getting your braces put on or following an adjustment, stick to soft foods and cold drinks for a day or two. You can also take over-the-counter non-aspirin pain relievers. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Additionally, gargling with saltwater can be soothing. Mix one tablespoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and swish away.
Irritation
It can take a little while for your mouth to get used to braces and lip and cheek irritation may occur. Use your saltwater gargle and place dental wax on any bothersome brackets or wires. Irritation should resolve on its own but if it doesn’t, contact us.
Broken Bracket
If the bracket is in the back of your mouth, slide it off the wire and use nail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol to carefully clip any excess wire. If the bracket is in the front or middle of your mouth, dry it off with a piece of tissue, roll a little bit of dental wax into a ball and place it on the bracket to stop any irritation. Call us so we can let you know if it needs to be refitted or you can wait until your next appointment.
Poking Wires
If a rogue wire starts poking into your cheek and causing discomfort, use the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab to try to move it out of the way. Dry the wire with a tissue and place dental wax over it to stop the poking. If it’s an unusually long piece of wire, which sometimes happens when you have a loose bracket, carefully cut it with your sterilized nail clippers. Give us a shout and we’ll get you in to see us if the poking continues.
Lost Separator
Losing a separator during treatment is pretty common. Just contact us and we’ll let you know if it needs to replaced.
Start your braces treatment with Dr. Hawley today by contacting us at (402) 592-3200 or [email protected].
