True emergencies are rare in orthodontics, but there are problems that can be annoying or that can prolong your orthodontic treatment. If you have an emergency or are unsure of what to do and you are experiencing discomfort, call the office (609-730-1414) and you will receive information on how to reach Dr. McDonough. The following information covers how to handle the most common problems.
- Spacers or Separators - If one spacer (separator) is lost, it is not necessary that it be replaced. If several spacers are lost, you are most likely eating foods or candies that are too sticky and are pulling the spacers out. You can attempt to replace the spacer by taking two pieces of dental floss and inserting them through the spacer. Then pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer and slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. When the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer should now be back in place. If you are unable to replace the separator or are unsure you can replace it, call our office.
- Sharp Wires - If a wire is causing irritation, try pushing the wire away from the area being irritated using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked in, 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 your orthodontist for an adjustment. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
- Loose Wires - If the main wire has come out of the tube or pipe on the back molar tooth, you may attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If you are having a difficult time and the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, call our office. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
- Loose Braces - If a brace (the small rectangular piece of metal or ceramic glued to your tooth) is loose, in most cases it will remain connected to the main wire by a little rubber ring that is often colored. You may use your fingers or a pair of eyebrow tweezers to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office to schedule the appropriate amount of time to repair the broken brace. If we are unaware of the problem before you arrive, there may not be sufficient time to repair it and you will have to return at another time.
- Broken Braces - If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call the office to schedule a repair visit.
- Swallowed Braces - If you swallow a piece of your appliances, try to remain calm. A swallowed piece will usually go into either the stomach or the lungs (a rare event). Most of the time it will go into the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physician will counsel you on your options concerning retrieval of the stray pieces.
- Sore Teeth - If your teeth are sore after a monthly visit in our office, take Tylenol or ibuprofen, unless you are allergic. Rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can also be soothing. If your teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, please call us because it is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.
- Sore Cheeks - If you cut the inside of your cheek, gums or tongue, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. Sometimes there is a sharp part of your braces irritating the cheeks. Once the spot is identified, place some wax over the sharp brace.
- Broken Retainers - If a retainer cracks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to the office for a professional repair. Most broken retainers can be repaired.
- Bonded Retainers - Some people have a small wire glued in on the inside of their lower or upper front teeth. This retainer stays in place for many years. If you suddenly get food stuck behind the retainer in a place you never experienced before, you should call the office and schedule a repair because the bonding probably broke.
- Broken Teeth - If you break off part of your tooth, locate the broken piece and take it to your family dentist immediately. They can place a medication on the damaged tooth and can sometimes glue the broken piece back on or use cosmetic bonding to replace the broken tooth.
- Tooth Knocked Out of the Mouth - If an adult tooth is knocked out of your mouth completely, pick the tooth up by the top of its crown, not by its root(s). Inspect the tooth. If it is clean, place it back into its socket immediately. If the tooth is dirty, rinse the tooth by jiggling it in a cup of water or milk before placing it back in its socket. Do not scrub the tooth. Compare the appearance of the tooth to its neighboring teeth to make sure the tooth is not turned around backward. Hold the tooth in its socket and immediately go to your family dentist. If it is not possible for you to reinsert the tooth into its socket, place it in a container of milk or cool water and carry it to your dentist immediately. If the tooth remains outside of the mouth for over 30 minutes, it will seldom survive.
- Loose Teeth - It is normal to experience minor looseness of teeth immediately after the braces are placed. If a tooth can be pushed upwards toward the gums with just finger pressure, that is unusual and you should call our office.