Thursday, June 9, 2016


TIPS FOR AVOIDING AND HANDLING ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES


Taking care of your braces throughout your treatment is the best way to avoid orthodontic emergencies.  However, emergencies happen, and not always at the best time!   Sometimes no matter how careful you are or how well you care for your braces, the wires get long, brackets come loose, or you experience orthodontic discomfort.  

Some common emergencies are loose brackets, poking wires, mouth sores, lost or broken retainers, and mouth injuries sustained playing sports.

WHAT TO EAT

It is very important to not eat foods that can damage your braces and wires.  All sticky, crunchy, chewy, and hard foods should be avoided during your entire treatment.  While it seems like a long time to go without, these types of foods can loosen the brackets and bend the wires.  

If a bracket comes loose or comes off of the wire, put the bracket in a bag, and call us at 630.584.6555 to set up a repair appointment.  If a wire comes out of a bracket you can try to put it back in or you can call us and we will be happy to fix it.  

DISCOMFORT

You will experience some discomfort after your braces are first placed or after your wires are changed. That discomfort should only last a few days and over the counter pain medication can help give you relief. If you are still experiencing discomfort after 4-5 days, however, it would be a good idea to call Prose Orthodontics.  

In between appointments your wires make get too long and start to poke.  Don't try to trim the wire yourself.  Please call the office to set up an appointment and we will take care of the poking wire for you.

PLAYING SPORTS

Sports related injuries to the mouth and jaw are common and the best way to protect your teeth and braces is to wear a mouthguard.  We have mouthguards in the office and will be happy to give you the appropriate one for your sport.

RETAINERS

Your retainers are so important to maintain your Prose smile.  If by chance a pet gets a hold of one of your retainers please call us to have it replaced for a fee. We will need to take an impression to make you a new retainer.  If your retainer develops a crack please call the office and set up an appointment to have your retainer evaluated.  

Your lower retainer will need to be repaired if it becomes loose.  If it happens to come out, please save it, and call us to set up a repair appointment.  

You never want to go too long without your retainers!


Most orthodontic emergencies do not require an immediate appointment. Please refer to http://proseorthodontics.com/braces/ for more information.  

If you have any questions or would like more tips please ask any team member at Prose Orthodontics.  

  

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