Emergency Care
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that's sticking out. If you call during off hours, call Dr. Kaspers on the emergency number given to you on the answering machine.
After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.
General soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chewing. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with Peroxyl-which can be purchased at the drug store. Follow the instructions on the label. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
Headgear
Sometimes discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed. Please refer to the instructions provided by Dr. Kaspers. If the facebow (metal piece) is bent, please call our office for assistance.
Loose/Poking Appliance or Wire
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment. Please call the office as soon as you know that you have a loose bracket.
If the loose wire is poking your cheek or gums, try placing wax over the end of the wire and call the office immediately. Dr. Kaspers wants to handle your emergency immediately so that your treatment can continue to progress in a proper manner.
