Home Care: First Aid
The wires are bothering me.
If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, 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 Dr. Adrio for an adjustment.
If the main wire has come out of the brace on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If 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, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
I lost a rubber spacer.
In case a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer, then slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. Once the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer will fit back properly.
The bracket has become loose.
If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little rubber colored ring. Eyebrow tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of your situation.
My braces have broken.
If a piece of your braces breaks, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.
Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. This will usually go into the stomach, passing out of the body in a bowel movement. However, should difficulty breathing be experienced you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.
My retainer has a crack in it.
If a retainer cracks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for professional repair.
My teeth hurt after my visit.
Take Aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (unless allergic) an hour before your adjustment and then as needed for comfort.
I have food stuck between my teeth.
If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.