Orthodontics aims at good oral health but also at the improvement of the patient’s smile. The correct treatment plan combined with good orthodontist-patient cooperation ensures an excellent result!
Usually, the orthodontic treatment of children, teenagers and some adults, includes the placement of a fixed orthodontic device, the well – known metal braces, while at the end of the treatment, during a few months, the patient often uses a stabilisation device for the purpose of maintaining the orthodontic result.
During treatment, orthodontic accidents may occur, which patients can easily manage, unless the problem is persistent and severe.
A classic case is the entrapment of food between braces, which can be particularly annoying for the patient, but it can be easily removed using a toothbrush, floss or an interdental brush.
The orthodontic wire can sometimes protrude slightly, causing injury to the gums, lip and cheek, creating a painful situation for orthodontic patients that prevents them from having a smooth daily life.
The problem can be easily treated with the use of a special orthodontic wax, which is placed on the hook or wire, as many times a day as the patient wishes and in as much quantity as needed, although usually the size of a pea is enough to normalise the problem. As a material, it is completely harmless for its health and no matter how much amount the patient swallows there is no danger. This special wax creates a protective layer between the orthodontic mechanism and the soft tissues of the oral cavity, so that it is not injured. Thus, the irritation is cured and at the same time the possibility of creating a new one is removed. Of course, when the problem is severe, the orthodontist must be informed to give additional instructions.
If a metal wire has been displaced, one solution is to push it using the finger, or a cotton swab, or even the eraser from the back of a pencil, so that it returns to its original position. Although, in the event that the brace comes off, the patient should immediately contact the orthodontist.
The incorrect or inappropriate use of orthodontic devices, such as mouth guards and extra oral headgear, can cause soft tissue injury. In this case, the patient should remove it immediately and inform the doctor.
Orthodontic treatment with braces is generally a painless method of correcting the position of the teeth, without the use of medication. There is always the possibility of feeling a discomfort, due to orthodontic accidents and the difficulty in chewing during the application of orthodontic appliances. However, this discomfort recedes on its own, since the oral cavity adapts to the new situation easily, leaving these biological and mild forces to ensure perfect orthodontic movements!
At Great Smile orthodontic clinic, we can provide you all the information you need to know in order to deal with orthodontic accidents!