Emergency Orthodontic Treatment Services

• Non-medicated orthodontic relief wax
• Dental floss
• Sterile tweezers
• Small, sharp clipper
• Q-tips
• Salt
• Interproximal brush
• Toothpicks
  

• Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen supplied by the student's parent/guardian — use only with written permission of the orthodontist and parent/guardian)
• Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)
  

Food Caught Between Teeth

This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing student. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss.

Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Tiny rubber bands or small, fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber or wire ligature is lost, notify the parents so that the orthodontist may advise whether the patient should be seen.

Ligatures Come Off

If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.

Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures before sending the student back to class. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the student's parents, who should then inform the orthodontist.

Discomfort

It's normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. Reassure the patient that the discomfort is both normal and temporary. Encourage soft foods.

Have the patient rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If the patient is allowed to have over-the-counter pain relievers, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be effective.

Mouth Sores

Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear.

This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for the patient. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. Instruct the patient to reapply as needed.

Irritation In Mouth

New braces can be irritating to the mouth sometimes, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth.

Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably.

Let the student know that if the wax is accidentally ingested, it's not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Protruding Wire

The end of a wire may work itself out of place and irritate the patient's mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritation In Mouth above for instructions on applying relief wax.)

The patient's parents will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem. In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome and the patient will not be able to see the orthodontist anytime soon, as a last resort, you may clip the wire.

Reduce the possibility of the student swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.