Dealing with Pain and Emergencies
For orthodontic emergencies involving significant pain or bleeding, please either text your name and number to 718-360-4788, dial 911 or go the ER to have the situation handled. For most other cases, moderate pain and irritation due to poking wires or broken brackets is to be expected. Please follow the procedures below to rid yourself of any discomfort until you can see your orthodontist for your next appointment:
If you have orthodontic wax (which was given to you at your initial appointment), you can place it over the poking wire to temporarily relieve the discomfort. If you need orthodontic wax please let us know and we can schedule a time to pick it up at the office. Scroll down for application instructions.
You can also trim the wire yourself at home using a nail clipper or cuticle cutter. Please see video below showing how and where to trim the wire at home . Please note that you should be trimming the wire next to a bracket on the side of the mouth and not the back as access is difficult.
Trimming a Poking Wire at Home
Wax application Instructions
The steps below will help how to use the dental wax on your braces correctly follow these 6 steps:
● Step 1: Brush your teeth carefully and gently to ensure that there are no particles of food stuck in the braces, especially in the area where you wish to apply the wax.
● Step 2: Dry off the braces with a tissue or cotton ball before you start the process of wax application. This is important because a completely dry area ensures that the wax stays on longer.
● Step 3: Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Take a small piece of wax and roll it with your fingers into a ball shape. It should be just big enough to cover the piece of wire or bracket which is causing irritation or discomfort to your mouth. Generally, a ball the size of a pea or popcorn kernel is sufficient. Roll the wax for a minimum of 5 seconds. This will soften it and simplify the process of application.
● Step 4: Locate the area which is bothering you. If it’s difficult to see the loose or broken bracket or wire, pull your cheek out and look for swollen or bright red spots. You can also gently probe the insides of your cheeks or gums to find the affected areas.
● Step 5: Press the ball of wax over the wire or bracket bothering you. In case that piece of teeth braces is at the back of your mouth, push as far as you can. Then, withdraw your thumb and take the support of your tongue and forefinger to position the ball of wax.
● Step 6: Rub the wax a couple of times to ensure that it is stuck properly. It should form a small bump.
Other Important Points to Consider while using Orthodontic Wax
● You need to replace the dental wax whenever it starts to come off or twice a day.
● Never leave the wax on for more than two days in a row as food particles get stuck on the wax which may lead to bacterial buildup.
● It is advisable to avoid eating or drinking with the wax in your mouth as it may cause the wax to fall off. Hence, it is best to apply it after you have had your meals and brushed your teeth thoroughly.