Refer to the following information regarding orthodontic first aid. For serious concerns or emergencies, contact Village Family Dental immediately.
Push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum until you can see the dentist for an adjustment.
Wire Comes LooseIf the main wire has come out of the tube or pipe on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking to you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking to you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
Spacer Falls OutIn case a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer, then slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. Once the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer will fit back properly.
If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little rubber colored ring. Eyebrow tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of your situation.
Accidental SwallowingRemain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. This will usually go into the stomach, passing out of the body in a bowel movement. However, should difficulty breathing be experienced you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays can be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.
Cracked RetainerIf a retainer cracks, remove it from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for a professional repair.
Take Aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen (unless allergic) if your teeth are sore after a monthly visit. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. If your teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, give us a call. It is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.
Trapped FoodIf food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
Accidental Cuts and BleedingIf you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding does not clot, call your orthodontist or family dentist.
