What You Need to Know About Dealing With Orthodontic Problems at Your Home
When orthodontic problems arise, they can end up causing you a lot of discomfort, pain, and inconvenience. The reality is that these issues are usually best addressed by your orthodontist. There are unfortunately some times where you simply cannot physically visit your orthodontist to get your issues resolved. In these cases, it is important to understand how to deal with many common orthodontic problems at home.
These temporary solutions should be viewed as exactly that. It is important to contact your orthodontist to let them know about any concerns that you have so an in-person appointment can be schedule.
A List of Tools for Handling Orthodontic Problems
Having the right tools at hand is an essential part of handling orthodontic issues that arise when you are unable to visit your orthodontist. A list of tools that you should always have available include:
- Q-Tips
- A topical anesthetic (ie: Ora-Gel)
- Salt
- Toothpicks
- Floss
- Orthodontic releif wax
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Disinfected tweezers
- Interproximal brush/li>
A Wire That Is Protruding
When wires occasionally work themselves out of place, it can cause a lot of mouth irritation. You can alleviate this irritation by using either a pair of disinfected tweezers or a Q-Tip to attempt to push the wire flat against your tooth. You can also cover it in orthodontic relief wax as a temporary solution.
Mouth Discomfort
Though some level of mouth discomfort is to be expected with orthodontic treatments, it can be a cause for concern if it lasts more than a couple of days. In this case, you can use over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen as well as a rinse of warm salt water until you can schedule an appointment to be seen.
If the discomfort is the result of mouth irritation due to wires and braces whenever you eat, the use of orthodontic relief wax can help to create a buffer.
The Presence of Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can sometimes occur due to irritation caused by braces. The use of a small amount of Ora-Gel or a similar topical anesthetic can help to relieve the pain until it can be addressed by your care provider.
The Loss of an O-Ring
If the O-ring that holds the orthodontic wire in the braces comes off, you can put it back in its correct place by using disinfected tweezers. Loose wire ligatures can also be removed by using tweezers. These are only temporary fixes and the issue should be addressed at your orthodontic clinic as soon as possible.
Loose Bands/Braces
In the case that your braces or bands become loose, it is time to contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Reach Out to Your Abdoney Orthodontic Team Today
You can count on your Abdoney orthodontic team to work with you in your goal of achieving a smile that is healthy and beautiful. Reach out to us today for more information about achieving the perfect smile.