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EMERGENCY

Discomfort & pain during Orthodontic treatment can be divided into minor scenarios and major emergencies:

Minor Scenarios

  • Discomfort and pain during the first week after adjustments is very common. We recommend that you use paracetamol over-the-counter pain-relief medication.
  • Other adjuncts that have been found useful: Calmag mineral powder that assists the body during the healing phase.
  • Also chewing soft, sugar-free chewing gum will aid in improving blood circulation to the ligaments around the teeth and lessens sensitivity.
  • Mouth sores and swollen gums: rinsing with a glass of lukewarm water, one tablespoon salt, one teaspoon of carbonate of soda, twice a day will aid to resolve it sooner.
 

Major Scenarios

  • Trauma to the face and mouth due to an injury at home, school or on the sport field.
 
  • Infection and severe swelling of the gums and face.
 
  • Severe, unmanageable pain in the areas of the mouth and face.

You will need to be assessed at the hospital or dental emergency rooms immediately. Your orthodontic treatment will be adjusted accordingly.

LOOSE BRACKETS,
BANDS OR
POKING WIRES:

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The brackets / bands need to be refitted at the earliest convenience, otherwise treatment progress might be delayed.

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Should this occur over the weekend or after hours, please call our office the next business day to schedule an appointment.

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We kindly ask that you inform us before you come to our office so that it will allow us time to prepare for the specific requirements needed to assist you.

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Loose brackets and wire irritations can be covered with a small amount of wax, or a mixture of wax and cotton. Dry the area well and heat the wax between your fingers to improve it staying in place.

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If a wire is loose and is hurting the cheeks, you can use nail-clippers that have been washed and disinfected with alcohol to cut the end of the wire.

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As the teeth strengthen, at times, the wire extends at the back of your mouth and can poke the cheeks. Please note this is normal and can be addressed as above, covered with wax, or cut short with nail-clippers wiped down with alcohol. If this was not successful, you can push back the wire gently with a rubber eraser, or Q-tip (ear-bud).

Lost Separators

Most Patients lose a separator during the treatment. The separator can be replaced at the next visit, but if in any way uncertain, please feel free to contact our office.