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Orthodontic Emergencies |
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Orthodontic emergences are
fortunately infrequent. If you follow our instructions carefully then
very little will go wrong. However, occasionally you may run into
problems.
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Broken fixed braces -
either a bracket becomes detached or a wire slips out. Do you best
by following the advice opposite and let the practice know about
your problem.
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Broken removable brace
- the plastic may crack or a wire may snap. Keep wearing it if you
can but if it is uncomfortable stop wearing the brace and let the
practice know about your problem.
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Lost removable brace -
don't wait for your teeth to move back. Let the practice know about
this problem and arrange replacements if required.
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Headgear may not fit
properly - stop wearing your headgear immediately.
Expect some discomfort
from new braces, they are like new shoes and can rub.
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Take your normal
headache tablet if your teeth ache. You may need to take this
regularly for 24-48 hours.
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New braces can make
your teeth ache for the first THREE days but then it usually gets
better.
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If the brace rubs you
cheeks you may find rinsing with hot salty water will help.
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Use you wax as
advised.
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Keep your braces very
clean because infected gums can be painful.
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If
a fixed brace wire pokes out then you may be able to reposition it
with your finger so that it is out of the way. Otherwise you may be
able to cover the wire end with a bit of the soft wax we gave you at
the start of treatment; a suitable alternative is a small piece of
sugar-free chewing gum or a small piece of cotton wool!
If
all else fails you may try and remove the wires. This can be done by
removing ALL the small coloured elastics placed around each bracket;
try using the end of a paperclip to help you. With all the elastics
removed the wire may be gently pulled forward out of the mouth.
Please let us know about this, as the wire should be replaced
quickly to prevent unwanted tooth movement.