Orthodontic Emergencies During the Holidays: What You Should Do

It’s the holidays, and you’ve just realized that your braces have come loose—or worse, you’re in pain. in case of orthodontic emergencies during the holidays, don’t panic! Thankfully, you can handle most orthodontic emergencies at home. And with a few steps, you can likely fix the issue until you can make it into the office.

Let’s cover how to manage common orthodontic emergencies during the holidays and what you should do.

Loose Brackets

If one of your brackets comes loose, it’s not usually an emergency. However, it may become uncomfortable. If this happens, carefully place dental wax over the bracket and onto the wire. Then, gently press down on the bracket with your fingers until it feels secure. If it doesn’t stay in place, don’t worry—your orthodontist will be able to fix it during your next visit. Just be sure to take care of it as soon as possible.

To manage loose brackets until then, avoid all foods that may worsen the issue. This includes sticky, hard, and sweet holiday foods like caramel, nuts, and candy canes.

Sharp Wires

Sharp wires can cause mild discomfort, but they don’t usually require emergency treatment. In most cases, you can use wax to cover the wire until you can see your orthodontist.

If the wire is causing more serious discomfort, try to push it into a less-irritating position or clip it. To shorten it, use a nail clipper disinfected with rubbing alcohol. Just ensure you’re careful and don’t cut the wire too short.

A Dislocated Wire

If a wire gets caught on something and slips out, you may be able to push it back in. Simply use a q-tip, tweezers, or your fingers to push the wire into its original position. Then, you can secure it with wax if needed.

With wires that you cannot push back into place, try clipping the wire with a disinfected nail clipper. After you fix it, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Pain or Discomfort

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, try using an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Also, avoid touching the affected area with your tongue or finger, and limit your diet to soft foods. This will help reduce the risk of further irritation until you can schedule an appointment. Additionally, applying orthodontic wax over any painful areas can reduce the soreness.

It’s normal to feel mild soreness or tightness after getting braces. However, contact your orthodontist immediately if you’re experiencing severe pain or sensitivity.

Conclusion

No matter what situation arises during the holiday season, there’s no need to panic. There are many solutions for managing orthodontic emergencies at home. Just be sure to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible to avoid further problems.

Remember that prevention is key. Avoid sticky sweets that could damage brackets and wires, and practice good oral hygiene. You should also consult your orthodontist about caring for your braces.

At Dr. Yazji’s office, we’re here to ensure your orthodontic treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. If you face any orthodontic emergencies during the holidays, reach out online or give us a call at (954) 217-3737 or connect with us on Facebook.