How to Manage Orthodontic Issues at Home
Fortunately, real orthodontic emergencies are quite rare, but minor orthodontic issues do pop up from time to time with kids orthodontics in Knoxville. That's why Myers Orthodontics wants to equip you with the techniques and solutions to deal with orthodontic issues at-home. Of course, if an issue escalates, our North Knoxville orthodontist is always just a phone call away.
At Home Emergency Protocol
You might be surprised to learn that you can solve many orthodontic problems at home. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your orthodontic treatment plan. You can take the following steps to alleviate any at home orthodontic emergency:
General Soreness: When you get your braces on or tightened by our North Knoxville orthodontist, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol). To alleviate irritated lips, cheeks, and tongue, use wax on your braces to lessen this.
Loose appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part to alleviate sores on your gums and cheeks.
Loose bracket: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next orthodontic appointment.
Loose wire: Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place on your kid's braces. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place. Tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp, place wax on it.
Poking wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking.
Contact Myers Orthodontics for Kids Orthodontics in Knoxville!
If you are interested in kids braces or teen braces for your children, contact Myers Orthodontics. We pride ourselves on providing affordable braces throughout Knoxville to patients of all ages. Schedule your first consultation today! We look forward to starting your orthodontic journey.