First Aid/FAQ

Orthodontic First Aid

We recognize that emergency situations may occur. That’s why our office phone is answered 24 hours a day to take care of your needs. Our staff will teach you how to handle the most common types of problems yourself, but if anything is causing discomfort, please call us right away. We will schedule a special appointment time for repairs or allow more time at the next regular appointment. We try very hard to keep the office schedule on time and understand how valuable your time is. Please realize that the amount of repair work done will depend on the risk of making other regular appointed patients wait.

Just like any other device, there is a possibility of something happening to your orthodontic appliance. Here is a list of possible things that could occur, as well as some instructions on what to do in case they do happen.

Teeth may become sore
Food may become stuck between teeth
Wires may cause irritation
The main wire may come out of the brace
The brace may come loose from a tooth
Part of a brace may break
A retainer may crack

Teeth may become sore – If this happens, we usually recommend taking an analegesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These medications should not be taken if the patient has any allergies to these medications. Another remedy would be to rinse your mouth with Peroxyl or a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt to help alleviate discomfort.

Food may become stuck between teeth – To help dislodge the food, use dental floss or a proxy brush.

Wires may cause irritation – If possible, simply push the wire away from the irritated area using a pencil’s eraser or a cotton swab. Use a small piece of wax, if the wire cannot be pushed away.

Main wire has come out of the brace – If the wire has come out of the brace on the back molar, try to reinsert the wire with needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. Place some wax over the wire if it is sticking you. If the wax does not help, using nail clippers, carefully clip the wire close to the back of the last brace. This is only to be done as a last resort if this occurs after hours.

The brace may come loose from a tooth – Since the brace usually stays connected to the main wire, it is not a cause for an emergency visit. Use a pair of tweezers to reposition the brace if it flips around and irritates the gums. Contact our office at your earliest convenience so we can determine if a separate visit is necessary to repair the loose brace(s).

Loose Expander – Contact our office and we will let you know what to do.

Trauma to the Mouth – Contact our office we will let you know what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?
Can you be too old for orthodontics?
What is an Orthodontist?
Can any dentist say he/she is an orthodontist or specialist in orthodontics?
Why should I have an orthodontic evaluation?
Why is it important to seek orthodontic care, especially children ?
What if my general dentist doesn’t realize a bad bite exists or if there is a growth problem?
What if my general dentist also offers orthodontics?
Are there specific requirements set by the American Association of Orthodontists that a person has to meet before being called an orthodontist?
How can I make a wise choice regarding a second opinion regarding my orthodontic treatment?
Can my records be obtained from another office, if I want a second opinion?
Will it upset my dentist, if I seek an orthodontic evaluation after my general dentist wanted to perform my orthodontic treatment?
What are the benefits to early diagnosis and treatment?
Why do my crooked teeth need to be straightened?
Are there any other materials besides metal that can be used for braces?
Do removable appliances take the place of braces?
What is a crossbite?
What is crowding?
What can be done about crowding?
What benefits are there for keeping baby teeth in their normal position?
Is there a problem when there are spaces between baby teeth?
What are impacted teeth?
What is frenectomy?
Are strong and weak lower jaws inherited?
Do I have to have a referral?

1. What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty, focusing not only on the proper alignment of teeth, but the whole facial structure, including the jaws and mouth.

2. Can you be too old for orthodontics?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

3. What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has successfully completed the additional number of years of specialty training set by the American Dental Association.

4. Can any dentist say he/she is an orthodontist or specialist in orthodontics?
A dentist can only refer to themselves as an orthodontic specialist if they have completed the additional two years of post-doctoral training in orthodontics.

5. When should I have an orthodontic evaluation?
If you have a concern, question or doubt about a tooth eruption pattern or about the growth and development of the jaw/face, you should seek the opinion of an orthodontist.

6. Why is it important to seek orthodontic care, especially children?
Orthodontists are specially trainined to correct tooth eruption patterns and growth and developmental issues of the jaw and face. It is best to have these problems corrected the first time they appear. Orthodontic treatment will permanently change the position of your child’s teeth and possibly his/her face.

7. What if my general dentist doesn’t realize a bad bite exists or if there is a growth problem?
If your general dentist doesn’t recognize there is a potential growth problem in your child’s mouth, you should seek the advice of an orthodontist immediately. Most often, your dentist will gladly help you make your first appointment with our office. Or you can contact our office yourself to schedule your initial consultation.

8. What if my general dentist also offers orthodontics?
Many general dentists offer advanced orthodontic treatment without having completed the beneficial years of orthodontic specialty training. Others offer limited orthodontic services in conjunction with an orthodontist. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact our office, where Dr. Kershman is a specialist in orthodontics.

9. Does the American Dental Association test the ability of general dentists performing orthodontics?
No. There are requirements set by the American Dental Association which are necessary to be an orthodontist, but there are no standards set to govern, qualify or test general dentist’s orthodontic abilities.

10. How can I avoid confusion concerning a second opinion regarding my orthodontic treatment?
You should see an orthodontic specialist for a second option.

11. Can my records be obtained from another office if I want a second opinion?
The office where you are seeking a second opinion will request the records from the first dental office.

12. Will I upset my dentist if I seek an orthodontic evaluation after my general dentist wanted to perform my orthodontic treatment?
Healthcare professionals truly care about you and exist to serve you. A truly concerned general dentist will welcome this opportunity for you to fulfill your needs at the orthodontic office of your choice.

13. What are the benefits to early diagnosis and treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

14. Why do my crooked teeth need to be straightened?
Not only will straight teeth give you a nicer smile and higher self-esteem, it will give you a healthier bite, which will make it easier for you to chew all kinds of food. Having crooked teeth also makes it harder to clean them.

15. Are there any other materials besides metal that can be used for braces?
Metal, plastic, ceramic and glass are all the types of materials used in different types of braces. Your orthodontist will work with you individually to determine the right type of braces to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. Clear braces are available, which not only reduces the amount of metal used on the front teeth, but also enhances to the aesthetic appearance for patients in braces.

16. Do removable appliances take the place of braces?
No. Removable appliances are another option mostly used for retainers. Retainers can only push or pull a tooth, where braces can make bodily movements of the teeth.

17. What is a crossbite?
A crossbite is when upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.

18. What is crowding?
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.

19. What can be done about crowding?
If treated at an early age, the upper and lower jaws can be expanded to allow more room. Tooth extraction may also be necessary to eliminate crowding. Patients may also have to wear a special appliance such as headgear to move the teeth helping to create more space.

20. What benefits are there for keeping baby teeth in their normal position?
Baby teeth help to uphold the normal form and length of the arch. You should check with your general dentist or orthodontist about a space maintainer if baby teeth are lost early due to decay or extractions.

21. Is there a problem when there are spaces between baby teeth?
Generally, spacing between baby teeth is not a problem because the permanent teeth that will replace them are much larger; however, if there is not enough space, crowding is usually indicated.

22. What are impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth are teeth that have not erupted because of three possible reasons: (1) because of severe crowding; (2) because of bony tissue impaction; or (3) because of soft tissue impaction. Surgery is sometimes necessary to uncover and actively move the tooth into place.

23. What is frenectomy?
Fermium attachments are the ligaments that attach the muscle that surrounds the mouth. IN some people, the ligaments are large and grow between the upper front teeth, which does not allow the upper front teeth to close together. A frenectomy may need to be performed, depending on the age of the patient. A frenectomy basically removes the ligament attachment allowing the orthodontist to close the space between the teeth.

24. Are strong and weak lower jaws inherited?
Genetics definitely play a role in the growth pattern of a child’s jaw. If either parent has a weak or strong lower jaw, your child should be monitored by an orthodontist for growth guidance. The earlier the child is seen and treated, the greater the results reducing the possibility of surgery.

25. Do I need a referral?
No. We understand patients often desire to see an orthodontist because of a problem he/she has noticed themselves. Referrals from our patients are becoming more frequent and accepted. We are available any time you have a question and we appreciate your referrals.