If your teen or tween has brand-new braces, they may be experiencing more than a bit of discomfort. Orthodontics promise a better future, but living with teen’s braces in the present can present problems. Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on DIY solutions that may ease your child’s discomfort from braces.
What are orthodontic braces
First, wire-based dental braces are utilized to correct misaligned teeth. They are typically installed during the tween or teen years. Furthermore, dental braces may also be used to ease an uneven bite into proper position, explains Mayo Clinic. Additionally, orthodontics may be employed to eliminate gaps between teeth or move too-crowded teeth farther apart.
Adults can take advantage of dental orthotics, but the straightening process may require more time for persons with mature jawbones and teeth.
Kids will be kids, and things will happen to their dental apparatus. In most cases, a broken orthodontic device is not an emergency. However, you’ll want to deal with it as soon as possible per a Wisconsin dentist. Contact your orthodontist during normal business hours and tell them what happened. Second
When braces are new
Second, brand-new braces can be quite irritating. Soft food are recommended during the first few weeks of wearing braces. For example, mac and cheese are good foods for this breaking-in period. Additionally, soups and stews and scrambled eggs. Just be sure to give the mouth a good cleaning after eating. Your orthodontist may suggest over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Be sure to let your doctor know of any medicines your child may be allergic to.
A topical anesthetic like Orajel or Orabase can alleviate mouth sores associated with braces. Reapply the medicine as directed. Your dentist may provide a special ‘relief wax’ that can be applied to the part of braces that is causing irritation. If this wax is not available, ask about an alternative. The point is to maintain a small buffer between braces and tender mouth parts until the patient gets used to wearing braces.
Causes of broken brackets
With a teen’s braces, a number of mishaps may result in broken braces brackets. Among the commonest are sports injury, too-vigorous tooth brushing, and eating the wrong sort of foods. Flossing and tooth picking the wrong way can also cause damage to orthodontic devices, say the makers of Colgate toothpaste.
If you need to find a local dentist who can repair broken braces or make ill-fitting braces more comfortable, Emergency Dentists USA can help you. They can assist in finding a dentist who accepts payment plans, too.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of foods that someone wearing braces can enjoy without damaging their dental device. However, popcorn, hard taco shells, pretzels, and hard corn chips are not among them. Neither are sticky candy, ice cubes, or chewing gum. Wearers of braces must be extra diligent about keeping food particles out of their dental work. Good foods to enjoy while wearing braces include fruity yogurt, melons, grapes, and pasta dishes.
DIY braces fixes
Check to see if the wires are still attached to the bracket if any are broken. If attached, gently press the wire back into place with a soft cotton swab. Relief wax used to prevent pain in new braces may be employed to hold a loose wire in place. Snip wires that are too long with a pair of sharp nail clippers. However, clip as close as you can to the side that touches the teeth. Additionally, press pieces of wire that are too into place with a soft cloth or swab. Cover the wire with a small ball of relief wax. Of course, these are temporary repairs for your teen’s braces. See your dentist as soon as problems occur.
Food stuck behind braces can feel terrible. So, keep minty dental floss on hand and use it to remove stuck food particles. Also, in lieu of floss use a toothpick. But, be careful not to break it.
Finally, a teen’s braces and orthodontics can be challenging to any parent. Fortunately, the relatively small amount of time spent wearing braces can provide a lifetime of happy smiles.
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