Erste Hilfe | Fachzahnarztpraxis für Kieferorthopädie

First aid

If something pinches or pinches, or if part of your orthodontic appliance breaks or is lost – then don’t worry. This can happen from time to time and is by no means a reason to panic. Then take a deep breath and find out in peace what happened to the apparatus.

You can or you can fix many smaller defects yourself. A few specific movements and everything is back in place. However, if you can foresee from the outset that it is not just a small matter, then it is best not to experiment at all, but to call our practice right away and make an appointment.

But how can we distinguish between minor and more serious problems? When can I repair it myself and when should I delegate this task to a professional orthodontist? In the following, we present some examples that may clarify a number of things. Let’s begin.

Do-It-Yourself: Pressure/Uncomfortable bracket

If you experience some uncomfortable pressure in your mouth from the bracket/bracet, the following can be done (also applicable to sharp edges).

Dry the pressure point with Q-Tip or paper towel.

Form a little ball from wax.

Push it with your index finger on the pressure point and press hard.

That’s it, done! When you have your next regular appointment, the orthodontist will see the problem straight away and address it.

Do-It-Yourself: Wire hurts

If you experience minor pain from a wire sticking out and you observe yourself touching this with your tongue, no problem! In particular light wires from the initial treatment stages can be easily cut and shortened.

Both nail scissors and nail clippers are great for shortening wires.

Just use some nail scissors or nail clippers and cut off the end of the wire.

Do-It-Yourself: Bracket open

Many brackets and braces are held together by a so-called bracket slot. In case this opens, it can be easily re-closed.

Bracket has opened.

If the bracket slot is open, just close the slot toward the gums. ATTENTION! Wire must be pushed under the slot.

Done!

Do-It-Yourself: Wire gone

In case the wire slipped from the bracket slot (in particular on molar brackets that are glued onto the molar teeth), there are two problem-solving options.

First, you cut off the wire end with nail scissors or nail clippers (also see guidance above “Wire hurts”).

Alternatively, you push the wire end back into the bracket slot. From time to time, molar brackets may have two slots (small, pipe-shaped openings at the side). Due to the fact that it is the thinner wire that may slip out, it is not that important which slot you choose. Just select the easiest option.

Do-It-Yourself: Clip fell off

If a clip fell of your non-permanent brace, but the plate itself is not damaged, you don’t have to come into the practice straight away.

Of course, this is subject to a good fit of the brace inside your mouth. Just let us know at your next regular check/appointment.

Make an appointment: ring fell off

Sometimes your rear molars don’t hold one bracket only but some sort of metal ring covers the whole tooth. This is a so-called molar ring. In case this ring is loose or does not sit tight on the molar, please arrange an appointment, ideally within one week to avoid teeth movements into the wrong direction. This may also cause cavities due to food sediments within the loose ring.

Loose molar ring – phone up to make an appointment.

Make an appointment: bracket off

Brackets are glued onto the teeth. Usually they remain there until the orthodontist decides to remove them following the completion of the treatment plan. In case a bracket falls off prematurely, but also if it is loose, please arrange an appointment as soon as possible. This should be rectified within one week because the dental brace wont function properly otherwise.

A loose bracket.

Make an appointment: broken plate or bow

In case your dental brace is broken, please arrange an appointment as soon as possible. Both the broken plate (in your mouth) or the broken bow (connecting teeth) need to be looked at by your orthodontist as a matter of urgency.

Broken Plate

Broken Bow