What To Do In An Orthodontic Emergency
The talented residents and orthodontic faculty at the UNLV Orthodontic Clinic in Las Vegas want all of our patients to enjoy a trouble-free experience while they’re improving their smiles. However, sometimes things can occur which can cause problems like irritating wires or broken appliances. If you do run into a problem with your braces, we’re always here to help! Just give us a call and we’ll do our best to find an appointment time that works best for you so we can remedy the problem.
Even though problems can occur with your braces, it is rare to experience a true orthodontic emergency. In fact, most problems with your orthodontic appliances can be fixed right at home by you! Below is some helpful information that can assist you in resolving minor problems you may encounter with your braces. Just remember that we will still need to see you if something breaks or needs to be replaced on your braces, even if you’re able to temporarily resolve the problem on your own.
Pain or Discomfort From Orthodontic Treatment
It is common to experience sore teeth and slight discomfort when you first start wearing braces and even after you have your appliances adjusted at your regularly scheduled appointments. Gargling with lukewarm salt water can help alleviate soreness and discomfort as can applying a warm compress or heating pad over the area if you have soreness in your jaws. It is also fine to take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the package directions to alleviate minor soreness and discomfort.
Lost Separator
It is very common for patients to lose a separator during their treatment so don’t panic if it happens to you. Just give us a call to find out if it needs to be replaced.
Loose or Irritating Wires
If a wire loosens, you can try to put it back where it belongs using tweezers you’ve washed and sterilized. If that doesn’t work, try putting some dental wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you must cut an irritating loose wire, do so carefully using nail clippers which have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Simply snip the wire behind the last bracket it is secured to. If a wire is poking the inside of your cheek, try to carefully move it away using a cotton swab or pencil eraser. If that doesn’t work, apply some dental wax to the end of the wire and then contact us.
Loosened Brackets
If a bracket becomes loose, give us a call to ask it it needs to be re-fitted. If you need to slide a loose bracket off a wire, carefully cut the wire using clean & sterilized fingernail clippers and then call us right away to schedule a repair appointment.
Uncomfortable Headgear
If your headgear is causing you discomfort, it is usually because you have not worn it long enough. Be sure to follow the instructions we gave you regarding how and when to wear your headgear. If the facebow becomes bent, don’t try to adjust it yourself. Just call us to set up an appointment time so we can fix it.
Contact The UNLV Orthodontic Clinic in Las Vegas
If at any time you have any questions about your treatment or the orthodontic appliances you are wearing, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (701) 774-2690. We are always happy to speak with you to answer your questions and address your concerns! We want the time you spend improving your smile to be a trouble-free experience so you can get your amazing new smile as quickly and conveniently as possible!