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During routine orthodontic treatment, a certain amount
of discomfort involving your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks is normal and should be anticipated. Most times this
discomfort will go away several days after your orthodontic appointment. Some irritations of your soft tissues (i.e.,
gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks) may persist for a week as they "toughen up" and get used to rubbing against your orthodontic
appliances.
We know that your time is valuable, and oftentimes relief
can be obtained without an additional visit to our office. On this page we offer some orthodontic "first-aid"
suggestions to use at home in order to help minimize the discomfort that you may encounter.
Brushing
& Flossing
This is not actually a "first-aid" situation, but can help
prevent one from developing. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing during your orthodontic treatment is a must.
Good oral care habits will help prevent the formation of cavities, tooth discoloration, and swollen, irritated gums.
Orthodontic brushes
are designed to clean teeth and orthodontic brackets. For best results, use short, circular motions when brushing and cleaning.
Dental educators recommend brushing with toothbrush bristles at a 45° angle to
the teeth and orthodontic appliances to effectively clean during orthodontic care. And
don't forget to brush your gumline and chewing surfaces.
A proxabrush
interdental cleaner is perfect for cleaning between archwires and teeth and for larger spaces between teeth. Gently insert the proxabrush into the space, and clean with a gentle in-and-out motion. Proxabrushes come with fine nylon cylindrical or tapered bristles.
A
floss threader helps get floss between teeth when direct access to the gumline isn't possible; for example, when you have
braces. Simply thread about 12" of floss through the threader loop, insert threader
between teeth under the archwire, and slide floss up and down the tooth surface and gently under the gumline.
General
Tooth Soreness
Acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can
be used as needed by following dosage instructions on the package. Continuous, long-term usage of these medications
during orthodontic treatment is not necessary, nor is recommended. Prescription pain medication is not necessary, nor
is recommended, for general tooth soreness related to orthodontic treatment.
Loose Band/Bracket
If a loose band or bracket is still attached to the wire,
leave it in place. If the loose band or bracket is uncomfortable, place wax on it. If a loose band comes out completely,
save it, place it in a plastic bag, and bring it to your next appointment. If a loose bracket comes off of your wire
completely, you do not have to bring it to your next appointment.
Regardless of the course of action taken regarding a loose
band or bracket, please contact our office as soon as possible so that we can make arrangments to repair your appliances at
your next regularly-scheduled appointment. In specific circumstances, our office may schedule a separate,
sooner appointment to repair your appliances in order to prevent unwanted tooth movements.
Loose Wire
Try to place the wire back in place with tweezers.
If that is not possible, contact our office before clipping or cutting the wire. If it is necessary to clip the wire,
fingernail clippers or small wirecutter pliers may be used. If any discomfort persists, place wax on the loose wire.
Poking Wire
Try to push the poking portion of the wire down
with a blunt object, like a spoon or an eraser. If this is not possible, place wax on the poking wire and contact our
office.
Ulcers
Ulcers are painful, soft-tissue irritations that can develop
from loose or poking appliances. Three types of over-the-counter medications, one to relieve discomfort, one to protect
the irritated area while healing, and one to promote healing of the ulcer, may be used separately or in combination to
get relief. They are as follows:
- Topical Anesthetic:
This comes as either a liquid or a gel that can be applied to numb the ulcerated area until it can heal. These
medications are commonly sold under the names Anbesol, Orajel, or Orabase. Any of these medications are fine, as long as their
active ingredient is 20% Benzocaine.
- Topical Barrier:
This covers the ulcer with a protective barrier that prevents further rubbing on the ulcer. This medication is sold
under the name Orabase Soothe-N-Seal.
- Mouthrinse: This
promotes healing of the ulcer. Either of the following may be used: 1) Salt Water-
1 small glass of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt; swish in mouth 3 times/day for 5 days, or 2) Peroxyl or Rincinol- follow dosage instructions on package after each meal for 3-4 days
Any of the previously mentioned medications can be purchased
at your local drugstore, such as Walgreens or Rite-Aid, in the dental section.
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