Is a Loose Bracket an Orthodontic Emergency
Maybe you are currently using braces in order to achieve the smile you have always dreamed of, or maybe you are thinking about starting orthodontic treatment? Whatever step of your process, you must know that undergoing orthodontic treatment with teeth braces in Kaneohe is easier said than done. Braces take time and dedication, and even some sacrifices in the form of many food restrictions throughout your treatment time. At Hawaiian Smiles, we understand you will be facing these issues, and that is why we will be with you, to guide you every step of the way.
While the end result is fantastic, the process of wearing braces can be unpleasant at times. When wires break loose and jab you in the side of the cheek, eating and even talking becomes uncomfortable. There are things you may do to help yourself before you go to the orthodontist for a true fix, whether it’s because of something you ate or because of an inconvenient adjustment.
Before we continue, we must note that you will feel generalized soreness with the application of your braces, and this soreness should not be confused with what is considered an orthodontic emergency.
Generalized Soreness
For three to five days after getting your braces on, you may have general discomfort in your mouth and teeth that are tender to biting pressures. Rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash to ease this. Rinse your mouth aggressively with one teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water. If the tenderness is severe, you can also take aspirin or whatever you regularly take for headaches or similar pain. For one to two weeks, the lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel sore as they toughen and adjust to the braces’ surface. You can use wax to protect your braces.
Now you might be thinking, how is this any different from the discomfort and pain caused by a loose or poking wire? Additionally, you might also be wondering if having a loose or poking wire is considered an orthodontic emergency. So, let’s take a look at what would constitute an orthodontic emergency and then go from there.
What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Thankfully, there are just a few instances where orthodontic emergencies apply. They include any major trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth. Infection and swelling and bleeding of the gums, mouth, or face.
Is a Loose Bracket an Orthodontic Emergency?
No, your braces will still work effectively without the loose bracket until your orthodontist can attach a new one. Leave a bracket in place if it comes loose or breaks, and coat it with wax if necessary for comfort. If the bracket completely falls off, simply remove it and leave it alone.
Is a Poking Wire an Orthodontic Emergency?
Simply put, no, It is not a life-threatening situation, and your Orthodontist will replace it the next time you are visited. If a rubber ligature comes loose in the middle, you or your guardian may be able to reattach it with clean tweezers. Remove a wire ligature with clean tweezers if it becomes loose.
Now that you know that a poking wire is something that will happen at some point in time while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with teeth braces in Kaneohe, you can feel comfortable knowing that it is not a severe situation. Most likely, there are some things you can do at home to temporarily fix the issue until you are able to schedule an appointment with your trusted orthodontist.
As mentioned before, wires poking through braces is a very common and annoying problem. These can create ulcers, tiny wounds, and abrasions on your gums and cheeks. The initial priority in dealing with this issue is to alleviate discomfort and repair the wire. Let’s take a look at what you can do at home in case the wire from your braces is poking your cheek.
A Wire From My Teeth Braces Is Poking My Cheek. What Should I Do?
There are a couple of things you can try at home if a wire from your braces is hurting the inside of your mouth. The following are home remedies that you can try only to alleviate discomfort until you can schedule an appointment.
Home Remedies For Poking Wires
- Manual Fix: You might be eating when you suddenly feel a wire poking you. Examine yourself in the mirror. The wire may be bending out and not totally detached from the bracket. Push the wire back into place with your finger.
- Cut off the end: This isn’t a good idea unless you know what you’re doing or can enlist the help of someone with a steady hand. Only use a wire cutter with a distal end that will keep the cut wire piece from falling into your mouth.
- Bend it instead of cutting it: Gently bend it back into place instead of cutting the wire. This can be done using a blunted toothpick, your fingers, or even an eraser head. You don’t want the wire to snap in an inconvenient area, so go slowly.
- Get a pair of thin-nosed tweezers, sterilize the tips, and try to catch the end of the loose wire if you have eaten something that has moved it out of place. If feasible, use a magnifying glass to guide the wire carefully back into the bracket slot. The broken piece could be tucked behind the archwire or around the bracket.
- Use Some Wax: Put a small ball of that wax on the end of the wire that’s poking you so you can get some relief from the pain without doing anything to compromise your braces. You can also use a cotton ball or some gauze in a pinch.
- Treat your Cuts and Sores: Sometimes, those loose wires can really cause a nasty sore or cut in your cheeks. Swish a mixture of warm water and salt in your mouth for a minute at a time, up to six times a day, to help it heal.
Schedule an Appointment
After trying the recommendations above, even if one of the solutions provided a temporary fix to your issue, the last step you need to take is to make an appointment with us, your trusted Kaneohe orthodontist. Even if the damaged wire isn’t causing you any discomfort, you should schedule an appointment with the orthodontist. A damaged or protruding wire indicates that something isn’t operating properly, and your teeth may shift, causing your treatment timetable to change
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