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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

 

Fixing A Poking Wire

There are a number of remedies for a broken braces wire...here are 4 ways you can resolve the issue at home:

  • Use Orthodontic Wax: Dry off the area. Roll a pea sized amount of wax between your finger and apply it to the irritating wire.
  • Slip it back into place: Grab the middle of the wire and bend it. So you can stick the end back into its place in the bracket.
  • Bend It Back: If the wire is too small, try using a pencil eraser to move the point away from the area that it is irritating.
  • Clip It Off: After sanitizing your fingernail clippers, clip off the end of the wire using a mirror to guide your movements.
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

Dr. Ford recommends using the Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush for all his patients.

Prescription Toothpaste

Dr. Ford recommends Prevident Prescription Toothpaste for all of his patients. It’s important to use a pea-sized amount before bed an after brushing, refrain from eating or drinking.

Flossing

For braces patients, Dr. Ford recommends using Platypus Orthodontic Flossers. These specially designed flossers make it easier to clean between your braces and under the wires, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.