Braces in Apple Valley, MN
Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause bracket breakage or dislodge an appliance, which can lead to minor discomfort such as a loose bracket or a poking wire.
Mild soreness is normal for 1-3 days after having an orthodontic adjustment. We recommend giving your child ibuprofen to keep them comfortable, and reassuring them that this discomfort is only temporary!
Something broke, now what do I do?
Fortunately, most discomfort arising from orthodontic breakage can be managed quickly and easily from home.
If breakage of a bracket or wire occurs, or a band/appliance comes loose, it is important to let our office know immediately so that an appointment can be scheduled to address the issue.
If this occurs during our office hours (8:00 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday) please give us a call to schedule a follow up.
If this should happen outside of our regular office hours, please refer to the "first aid" instructions* below to temporarily manage the breakage, and call us during office hours to schedule a follow up appointment. If these instructions do not address your concern, or you have additional questions, please text Dr. Katie at 952-522-3059 and she will be happy to answer your questions.
*Courtesy of aaoinfo.org
Food stuck in teeth
This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces- wearing patient. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food, or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
Ligature off
Tiny rubber bands or small, fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the patient’s parent/ guardian, who should then inform the orthodontist. If a rubber or wire ligature is lost, notify the parent/ guardian so that the orthodontist may advise whether the patient should be seen.
Mouth Sores
Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for the patient. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. Instruct the patient to reapply as needed.
Irritation of Lips or Cheek
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat more comfortably. Let the patient know that if the wax is accidentally ingested, it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. The patient’s parent/guardian will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem. In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome and the patient will not be able to see the orthodontist anytime soon, you may, as a last resort, clip the wire.
Reduce the possibility of the patient swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.
Loose Bracket or Bands
Brackets are the parts of braces attached to teeth with a special adhesive. They are generally positioned in the center of each tooth. The bracket can be knocked off if the patient has eaten one of those hard or crunchy foods orthodontic patients are instructed to avoid, or if the mouth is struck while at play. If the bracket is off center, the adhesive may have failed. Call the parent/guardian, and recommend that they immediately notify the orthodontist, who will determine the course of action. If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out and the patient cannot immediately be taken to the orthodontist, you can do a temporary fix to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage. But take care to prevent swallowing or other injury. To put the bracket back in place, use tweezers to slide the bracket along the wire until it is between two teeth. Rotate the bracket back to the proper position, then slide it back to the center of the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents are busy and work daily to give their children what they need to succeed in this world. You want your children to be happy, well-adjusted, and confident. Unfortunately, many factors in life can decrease
your child’s self-confidence, and one of those factors is their smile.
If your child suffers from specific dental concerns, they may not like what they see when they look in the mirror. This can lead to self-esteem issues, which can affect their performance and success in school and other activities. Thankfully, Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can fit your child with braces and help them achieve their best smile. Although braces are a great way to correct many dental concerns, some common issues can occur when your child wears them.
Who May Need Braces in Apple Valley, MN?
If your child has any of the following dental concerns, they may be a candidate for braces:
- Crooked teeth – This concern is one of the most common reasons you might look for an orthodontist for your child.
- Spacing issues – If your child’s teeth are unevenly spaced, they may benefit from braces.
- Overlapping teeth – Perhaps some of your child’s teeth overlap, and more spacing is needed.
- Jaw concerns – In some cases, it isn’t your child’s teeth that are the issue; they may have jaw problems that braces can correct.
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite – These conditions are known as malocclusions, which are types of teeth misalignment that can cause issues with chewing and speaking.
What Issues Occur With Braces, and What Should You Do?
Once your child is wearing braces, some common issues can be uncomfortable or hinder the effectiveness of the braces. Our top priority is your child’s dental health, so you need to know what to do to help your child if any of the following issues occur:
Food stuck in braces – If your child has food stuck in their braces, tie a knot in a piece of dental floss and try to floss it out or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge the food.
Ligature comes loose or comes off – If your child loses one of the tiny rubber bands or wires that hold the main wire to the bracket, or if it simply comes loose, you have options at home. If it’s a rubber ligature, try to use tweezers to put it back on. If it’s a wire ligature that comes loose or comes off, you will need to contact our office so that we can give you advice or have you come in for an appointment.
Mouth, lip, or cheek irritation – Braces can irritate your child’s mouth, so if this happens, you can use a cotton swab to apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic such as Oragel to help ease their discomfort. For lip or cheek irritation, apply a tiny amount of non-medicinal relief wax to the area of the braces that is rubbing, and this will act as a buffer between your child’s braces and their lip or cheek.
Protruding wire – Occasionally, a wire can come out and poke your child’s mouth. If this happens, gently push the wire back into place using a pencil eraser or a cotton swab. If this doesn’t work, put some relief wax over the wire. Either way, you will need to call our office for an appointment.
Loose bracket or band – Sometimes, if your child eats hard or crunchy foods or is hit in the mouth, they could loosen or lose the bracket that is attached to their tooth. If this happens, you will need to call the orthodontist for an appointment, but if you can’t go to the orthodontist right away, you can use tweezers to slide the bracket back to the center of the tooth.
Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Apple Valley, MN?
If you or a family member would like to discuss braces in Apple Valley, MN, or if you have questions or concerns about your braces, please don’t hesitate to call Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (952) 715-6177.
Braces are a standard orthodontic treatment designed t
o straighten teeth and improve your smile’s appearance. Straight teeth are more attractive and make it easier to maintain optimal oral health.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to keep them healthy during your orthodontic treatment. So, how do you brush your teeth when you’re wearing braces? Keep reading to find out.
Brushing Your Teeth with Braces: Step-by-Step
You know how important it is to brush your teeth, but when you’re wearing braces, it can be more difficult. Follow these steps to maintain your oral health during orthodontic treatment:
- Remove any elastics or bands before brushing.
- Next, wet your soft-bristled toothbrush and add a small amount of toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth in a circular motion, brushing the front, top, and back of your teeth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.
- Brush your tongue to remove germs and bacteria.
- Thoroughly rinse your mouth and inspect your braces for any trapped food particles.
Schedule Your Complimentary Orthodontic Evaluation
If you want to learn more about your child’s orthodontic options, we would love to hear from you! We offer complimentary orthodontic evaluations at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, so call us at (952) 715-6177 to schedule today.
Meet Our Doctor:
Katie Nordeen DDS MS MSD
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
Dr. Katie loves building lasting relationships with the wonderful families at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. As one of only a handful of dual-trained specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Katie is proud to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location!
In her free time, Dr. Katie enjoys reading, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with her husband, Dr. Kyle, and their children James, Teddy, and Colette.
Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery - University of Minnesota
- Master of Science in Dentistry - Virginia Commonwealth University
- Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry ...