It can feel disconcerting to experience discomfort or notice an issue with your orthodontic appliance. It is easy to think the worst when something seems amiss in your mouth, so it is important that you remain calm, as the fix might be simpler than you expect. While we encourage you to reach out to your orthodontist, so they can assess the severity, some orthodontic emergencies can be dealt with at home. In this blog, we will discuss some simple remedies and fixes that will help ease not only discomfort but also your mind. Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX has all your cosmetic orthodontic needs covered.
Mouth Soreness
Experiencing mouth soreness after an orthodontic procedure is quite common. If you’ve recently received braces, you might notice tenderness when you bite down or chew. Your tongue, lips, and cheeks could also feel irritated by your new appliance during the initial adjustment period. While the discomfort will dissipate in time, you can still rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help alleviate pain. You can also take a pain reliever to help ease any soreness. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can provide further instructions and recommendations.
Loose Wire or Bracket
Having a loose wire is a common orthodontic emergency. It is annoying and can be difficult to ignore. Luckily, it is easy to fix. If your wire is poking out, simply take a pencil eraser and push it back down. You can also place wax on the wire to keep it in place. If neither of these tricks works, take tweezers and gently bend the wire back into place. Wax will also work If your bracket or band is loose and still attached to the wire. If the wire comes out completely, wrap the bracket with a tissue until you can make it into the office.
Headgear Doesn’t Fit Correctly
Typically, headgear discomfort stems from improper use. Make sure you revisit the instructions you were provided, as they will likely solve the issue that is causing you pain. It is worth noting that headgear does become more comfortable over time as you wear it more, so make it a point to wear it for the daily duration suggested by your orthodontist. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the instructions you were initially given, you can always reach out to us.
Contact Us If You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
While you can treat the above issues at home, it is still worthwhile to make an appointment and contact Lake County Orthodontics in Fort Worth at (817) 236-7846. You can also find us at 5800 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, TX 76179. We look forward to talking to you about any of your orthodontic needs.
