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Don't know what we are talking about?...Click here for the American Association of Orthodontists Glossary!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST AID FOR BRACES:


-First some basic definitions:

  1. Bracket- The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded to the band.
  2. Archwire- A large removable wire that fits around the arch into the bracket slots.
  3. Elastic Ligature- Plastic ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.
  4. Ligature Wire- Tiny wire that ties the archwire into the bracket.
  5. Hooks- Used to attach elastics (rubber bands).
  6. Band- A ring of metal with the bracket attached. It is glued onto the tooth.
Click here for a more detailed glossary from the AAO..

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-Now lets get you some help:

  • If a wire is poking you, first try to bend it with a spoon or a pencil eraser. If you are unsuccessful, place a small piece of wax or wet cotton over it until you can get in for an appointment.
  • If a bracket or band is loose and still attached to the archwire, leave it in place. If it becomes uncomfortable, cover with wax and call for an appointment. If it comes completely out, bring it with you to your next appointment. Do not attempt to connect headgear or elastics to a loose band.
  • If the arch wire comes out of a tube, try to place the wire back into the tube with tweezers. Place wax if uncomfortable and call for an appointment.
  • If your teeth are sore after an orthodontic visit, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as normally recommended for headache etc.. Another tip is to rinse your mouth with really warm water with a little bit of salt dissolved in it. This helps soothe the gums much like a hot-water bottle will do for sore muscles! Plan soft foods for meals until the discomfort goes away -- which is usually 48 hours. If the discomfort gets progressively worse or remains the same after 4 days, call us!
  • If a part of your braces breaks, save the piece and call to set up a repair visit. If a retainer breaks, do not try to repair it yourself. Call to have us repair it.
  • If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth while you have braces on, don't panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
  • If a rubber spacer falls out, you can try to replace it your self by threading a couple pieces of floss through it and then pulling it under and up between the teeth. Then remove the floss.
  • If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that usually means there is a local area of infection. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing, flossing and rinsing with Listerine. If a particular area is painful or you notice a bump of any sort, let Dr. Alexander know.

If something is loose or broken, please call us at 208-331-5080, during office hours. It’s best not to wait until your next appointment. Place any piece that comes off in an envelope and bring it with you.


Use this linked diagram to tell us what is loose or broken....Diagram and detailed help!

 

 

 

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