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After Hours Care

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND

 

Most orthodontic concerns can wait until the office re-opens. However, if you are still in need of emergency assistance, please call our office and you will be instructed on how to reach Dr. Ford.

Common Issues

SELECT BELOW TO LEARN MORE

 

Poking Wire

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket Or Band

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the band or brace comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue and bring it with you to your appointment.

Loose Wire

Using tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance

If your appliance is poking, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

General Soreness

When you first get your braces or Invisalign trays you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8oz. of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously.

If the tenderness is severe, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or whatever you normally take for a headache or similar pain following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some patients that have a low tolerance for the discomfort that occurs after appliance adjustments may want to an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen one hour before appointments, or after appointments according to the manufacturer’s directions. This will help a great deal in preventing general discomfort or soreness.

Invisalign®
  • Attachment off – If one of your Invisalign attachments comes off, please contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment to have the attachment replaced.
  • Lost tray – Should you lose a tray, skip to the next aligner and wear that aligner for two weeks.
  • Rough or sharp aligner edge – Many times a rough or sharp aligner edge can be adjusted by patients using an emery board. If you are not able to adjust the irritating aligner edge so that the aligner can be worn comfortably, call the office to schedule an appointment and bring all future aligners to that visit.

Home Care

GOOD HABITS TO HAVE

 

Brushing

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular massage like motions to reach food particles and plaque that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle to brush above and below wires. Brush slowly and carefully, including between teeth, on the surface of each tooth and around each bracket and wires. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque: In the morning after breakfast, after lunch or right after school, after dinner, at bedtime. Many of our patients find it helpful to use a Sonicare or Oral B electric toothbrush to help achieve excellent daily plaque control.

Brushing the brackets and wires can cause your toothbrush to wear more quickly than before braces. If you notice the bristles starting to bend or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. Do not swallow any toothpaste as you brush, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene.

Flossing

Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day. A floss threader which has a stiff end will help you push the floss under your archwire. Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.