Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, many dental and orthodontic offices have modified their operating protocols. Most are only offering urgent and emergency care at this time, and they are encouraging patients to do their best to care for non-critical issues at home until things get back to normal. So, then, what should you do if you encounter a problem with your dental braces during the quarantine? In this article, we provide some practical guidance for coping with various common issues.
Protruding Wire
If any of your braces’ wires begin to stick out and irritate your mouth, you may be able to push the wire back against your teeth. Do so as gently as possible, and use a Q-tip and disinfected tweezers to help you maneuver it. If shifting the wire proves to be difficult, do not apply extreme force in an attempt to move it. Instead, cover the end of it with a bit of orthodontic relief wax so it bothers your mouth less.
Lost Ligature
Ligatures are tiny rubber bands or small wires that serve to hold braces in place. If one of your rubber ligatures comes out, you can try to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If you have a wire ligature that is sticking out, you can try to gently move it against your tooth with the help of tweezers or perhaps even a pencil eraser.
Irritation and Discomfort
Braces can sometimes irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, even if there is nothing wrong with the braces. To cope with this issue, roll a bit of orthodontic relief wax between your fingers. The ball should be the size of a small pea. Then, flatten the ball of wax over whatever portion of your braces is bothering you.
Other kinds of discomfort, such as normal soreness that occurs as the teeth move, are usually fairly simple to handle. Rinsing with warm saltwater and taking over the counter painkillers may prove to be helpful. However, if you ever experience persistent or severe pain related to your braces, contact your orthodontist immediately.
Mouth Sores
Braces do not cause mouth sores, but they can increase discomfort for people who are prone to them. You might find relief by using a cotton swab to apply oral analgesic to any portions of your mouth that are in pain.
Hopefully, you and your braces will come through this period of social distancing without experiencing any major problems. However, if you ever do encounter a serious orthodontic issue, do not hesitate to contact your orthodontist. They are ready to help!
About the Author
New Haven Dental Group in Branford is a family friendly dental practice with a large team of experts ready to serve our patients. We offer an expansive range of services, including orthodontics and emergency dentistry. If you experience any problems with your braces, contact us. Even though our office is temporary closed, we are working with our partners in the area to provide urgent and emergency care.