New York Orthodontic Treatment For Emergencies
Here at Goodman Orthodontics in Manhattan, NY, our expert orthodontists and staff know just how frightening a dental emergency can be! From losing a filling or a crown to chipping or cracking your tooth, accidents involving your teeth can happen unexpectedly at any time. Thankfully, there are very few orthodontic emergencies out there that are a cause for panic! Most common orthodontic problems – such as sore teeth from orthodontic appliances, loose wires, or wire irritations – can easily be remedied at home with a few simple tips and tricks. Below, Dr. Goodman and our Manhattan dental team have laid out guidelines that will help you resolve any minor orthodontic problem you may have on your own!
Disclaimer: If you have a broken orthodontic appliance, or you are experiencing severe pain associated with your braces, call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Remember, even if you alleviate the pain caused by a broken orthodontic appliance, you still need to schedule a repair appointment right away to have your braces fixed.
lost separator
Most patients lose a separator or two during their treatment at Goodman Orthodontics, so don’t worry! If you’ve lost a separator, give us a quick call to see if it needs to be replaced.
Sore Teeth/Discomfort From Orthodontic Appliances
Right after you receive your braces – and sometimes after you’ve had an adjustment appointment – your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate any soreness or pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you get acclimated to the feeling of your orthodontic appliances. You can also swish lukewarm salt water (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water) around in your mouth, aiding in any discomfort you may feel. Additionally, a warm washcloth or heating pad may also reduce the soreness of your jaw and teeth.
Loose Wires
Over time, it’s natural for the wires of your braces to come loose on their own, especially if any chewy or sticky foods have been pushing and pulling on them. If you notice a loose wire, first make sure that all of your brackets in that area are still properly attached. If the wire has come completely out of the bracket, try to gently slide it back into place.
Dull objects, such as pencil erasers and cotton swabs, can help you guide the wire back into the bracket with ease. Make sure whatever object you use to help reposition your wire is thoroughly cleaned before you put it in your mouth! If you just can’t seem to get the wire back into its original position, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible!
loose bracket
If you are experiencing any wire irritation, try moving the problematic wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not budge, try covering the pokey end of the wire with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of dental wax. If the wire continues to cause you pain, you can cut the end of it with nail clippers or small wire cutters that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol, but make sure to get help from a family member! If all of these tricks fail to ease any wire irritation you may have, give our office a call so we can help you make your braces pain-free!
Loose or Detached Bracket
If you have a loose or completely detached bracket, call our office immediately to set up a time to have the bracket re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut a wire to slide a bracket completely off, you may use fingernail clippers or small wire cutters that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Time is of the essence if you have a detached bracket, as your orthodontic appliances will no longer hold tension…meaning they won’t be straightening your teeth properly!
Contact Goodman Orthodontics In Manhattan, NY For Orthodontic Emergencies!
At Goodman Orthodontics, we set out to ensure that all Manhattan braces wearers out there have an emergency-free orthodontic journey! If you happen to encounter any major orthodontic problems throughout your treatment period – such as completely detached brackets or severe pain – that can’t be remedied at home, please get in touch with our office right away! You can also get ahold of us by utilizing our easy-to-use appointment request form. On behalf of our entire staff at Goodman Orthodontics, we look forward to making sure your orthodontic appliances are comfortable and pain-free!