Generally, orthodontic emergencies are unusual. Most patients who come to Bloom Orthodontics experience little discomfort during any phase of their treatment.
Bloom Orthodontics in Long Beach has a long history of providing the right mix of science and art to improve our patients’ smiles. Best of all, we offer an excellent patient experience with our friendly, welcoming staff who are ready to explain treatment options and answer any questions you might have.
First Aid
Soreness
A small amount of sorenessin the mouth or the teeth is normal, especially during the first few weeks of orthodontic treatment or following a significant adjustment. Usually, over-the-counter pain relievers should resolve the issue. Also, a warm cloth applied to the area and salt water rinses can help with jaw soreness. However, if small doses of over-the-counter pain relievers fail to bring you relief, your treatment may need to be fine-tuned by our team.
Irritation caused by wires
Sometimes parts of the metal wire hurt your mouth. Coating it with a tiny bit of wax should minimize any further abrasion. Also, swish with warm, salt water to keep the cuts in your mouth clean. You can also try to move the wire with a cotton swab away from the irritated area. Over time, the tissue in your mouth will adapt to the wires, and the abrasions will stop. However, if they persist or worsen, call us.
Loose Teeth
Sometimes your teeth will feel loose during treatment. Don’t worry. That is a good sign as it means they are moving into place. Once they are in the proper position, they will no longer feel loose.
Problems with the Appliance
Loose brackets or braces.
It’s unusual for brackets to come loose, although they can sometimes become dislodged following accidents, sports injuries, etc. Call our office, and we’ll determine the best course of action or schedule you a repair appointment.
Lost or broken dental appliances.
The orthodontic tools and appliances we use are durable, but it is possible for them to break, and no amount of durability can save them from being misplaced. Should you break or lose your appliance, we can get a replacement to you quickly or, in the case of invisible aligners, have you move ahead to the next stage of your treatment. We may be able to help even if you aren’t one of our patients.
Call our office and let us know what happened and we will determine what’s right for you.
(562) 380.0689 Tips for avoiding some common challenges during your treatment:
Maintain your oral hygiene
Braces are not a pass for brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Since flossing can be tricky with braces, you might consider alternatives like flossing sticks or a water pik.
Continue your regular visits to the dentist
Even though you have braces, your regular dentist still needs to see you during treatment to help maintain your oral health. Your regular dentist will let you know how often you should come in during treatment.
Avoid foods that can dislodge your appliance.
Many foods are a hazard to braces. Avoid crunchy, sticky or hard foods. Cut smaller bites of foods like steak and slice apples rather than biting into them. Popcorn kernels can pop off a bracket as well, so be careful when you eat it (and be sure to get any husks out from between your teeth and gums.) We have a full set of guidelines we can provide that can help you avoid foods that can cause problems with your braces.
Do not crunch ice.
Crunching on ice can not only cause mini-fractures to your enamel, but it can also wreak havoc on your braces.
Wear a mouthguard during sports practice and games.
A mouthguard will protect your braces and mouth during contact sports. If your child plays league sports that are covered by insurance, be sure to follow the insurance guidelines as some do not pay for injuries when the player uses off-the-shelf mouthguard solutions. Also, some sports require double mouthguards, meaning one for both the top and bottom arch. If you choose an over-the-counter mouthguard, ensure it is one approved for use with braces. They are wider and work better with the appliance.