Orthodontic Treatment in Greenwood Village, CO
Orthodontic emergencies are pretty rare, but we are here to help when they occur. As a general rule, call our orthodontic practice when you experience severe pain or have an appliance problem you can't take care of yourself. We can schedule an appointment to resolve the issue asap.
Maybe you feel your problem is small, or perhaps you're out of town or on vacation. Regardless of the reason, there may be something you can try to remedy the issue quickly.
After alleviating your discomfort, you must call our practice as soon as possible to schedule a time for your repair. Leaving your appliance damaged for an extended period will disrupt your treatment plan.
Our team is here to help you through any orthodontic treatment. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or feel something needs to be corrected. Read below for a guide to common orthodontic problems and how you can help them.
General soreness
When you first get braces, it is normal to feel slight tenderness for a few days. Sticking to a soft diet is best until your teeth do not hurt to chew.
Tooth soreness arises around the tightening phases of your braces. There is an increased amount of pressure or force on your teeth that causes movement and soreness. Typically after a couple of days, the soreness goes away. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers, following the recommended dosages on the bottle and not exceeding the maximum amount stated.
Being uncomfortable in braces is a typical experience. However, it should not last more than a few days. If you are distressed during treatment, there is likely an underlying issue. Call your orthodontist for a quick appointment. Click here to learn more.
If your mouth soreness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you typically take for headache or similar pain. We advise not using Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) as they slow tooth movement.
Headgear
With a headgear, sometimes discomfort is caused by not wearing it as instructed. Please call us immediately if the facebow (metal piece) is bent. The more your headgear is worn, the less it should hurt, so ensure you follow the instructions provided by your dentist.
Loose appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part.
Loose or broken bracket
If your bracket or band is attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply wax for comfort. If you can easily remove the bracket or band, place it in an envelope and bring it to your next appointment.
Loose wire or lost elastic
Using a pencil eraser, try to put your wire back into place. You can also use a Q-tip to try and push the wire against your teeth until you can adjust it. Consider using a piece of floss to tie the wire into the place of the missing elastic.
If the wire cannot move into a comfortable position and covering the end with wax doesn't help, call us to get it fixed as early as possible.
Losing an o-ring or the tiny wire in place of it is expected from time to time. The O-ring is essential to holding your braces together, so make sure to call your orthodontist if it is lost. You can carefully reattach it with tweezers if it falls out.
Call Your Dentist in Greenwood Village and Centennial
If you are experiencing any oral health emergencies, we are always available to you. Reach out to us, and we will help you through your orthodontic appliance problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We want you to have the most pleasant orthodontic experience and journey to straightening those crooked teeth and getting the beautiful, healthy smile you always wanted. If you have orthodontic questions or concerns, call our state-of-the-art orthodontic office and talk with our friendly staff.
