Brace first aid
New braces really take some getting used to. It may happen that the brace causes some problems. We will be happy to help you with information on where to go and tips on how to temporarily solve the problem yourself.
After placement of braces
If you have received removable braces, it may hurt a little at first. This usually goes away on its own. In the first week, you can slowly build up the wearing time. If this does not work or if the brace presses on the gums, it is better to call the practice. If you experience a lot of discomfort in the evening or at the weekend, you can take the brace off until the next working day.
With fixed braces, you may experience discomfort for about a week. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about this. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can sometimes give some relief. You will be given wax to apply to the protruding parts of the brace if this bothers you. The tongue and cheek will soon get used to the braces. If a piece of wire sticks out, you may always contact the practice.
What is an emergency?
Unstoppable acute toothache, a tooth knocked out or chipped due to an accident and post-bleeding after dental treatment are examples of emergency cases. Thus, emergencies are complaints whose treatment cannot reasonably be postponed until the next day or beyond the weekend. Always contact your own dentist immediately for this.
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Below are some problems, solutions and tips so that you can solve them yourself. If your question is not listed or if you cannot find the solution and tips, you can send a whatsapp message to the practice (06-41033446). It is not a problem if it is not solved immediately.
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Invisalign
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On the first day "I can't get my Invisalign out".
You can try taking out the alinger in a different place by pushing against the alinger underneath. If this doesn't work, leave the aligner in overnight. You will notice that the aligner becomes more flexible and that you can take it out more easily the next day. This is normal and there is no need to adjust the aligner.
Presses on the gums
Sometimes an aligner can have a rough edge. If this happens, use a clean nail file to gently smooth the rough edge. This can sometimes be so because alingers are machine-made. Furthermore, it is important not to adjust the aligners yourself.
Broken, but you can still wear them
If an Invisalign aligner is broken (e.g. a crack in the material), you can continue to wear it if there are no pain symptoms. If it does cause complaints, replace both aligners with the previous or next set.
Completely broken or hurts a lot
If an Invisalign aligner is broken (e.g. a crack in the material), you can continue to wear it if there are no pain symptoms. Should this still cause complaints, replace both aligners with the previous or next set.
Metal button (Button) is loose
Call the practice or send a whatsapp message on the first possible working day to make an appointment to repair it and do not wear elastic bands any more
White block (Attachment) is loose
Call the practice or send a whatsapp message
on the first possible working day to discuss what needs to be done. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Metal bracket
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There is a loose bracket
It is best to cover the loose bracket(s) with a ball of wax or a piece of sugar-free chewing gum. In any case, do not wear rubber bands on the loose bracket(s). If the bracket is completely loose, you may try to remove it carefully. Then make an appointment with the practice and mention that you have a loose bracket. Extra time should be scheduled for this.
Something pokes the cheek
Try cutting off the wire with sharp nail scissors or nail clippers. If this fails, stick a piece of wax or sugar-free chewing gum on the protruding wire.
A chain or elastic has come loose
Cut off anything disturbing or loose and call for an appointment
Wire is out of the clasp (Bracket)
If the clasp is open, you can replace the wire and close the clasp again. Use tweezers or a toothpick if necessary. If the wire has gone out of the rear bracket, you can simply replace it yourself.
Ring (band) around a molar is loose
If possible, leave the band in place. Should the ring come off anyway, keep it well and take it with you next time. Call the practice for an appointment to have the bracket repaired. If the band has come off, tell the receptionist how long it has been off. Sometimes you may need to come in for a further visit to separate (place elastic bands between your molars).
We are out of rubber bands
You can pick them up at the practice between 08.30 and 17.00 every working day. If you do not live in Veghel, we can also send them to you. If you send us an e-mail message and mention which rubber bands are involved (it is on the front of the bag the rubber bands come in), we will send them the same day.
I don't know how to wear my rubber bands anymore
Leave all elastics off and send a whatsapp message on the first possible working day to discuss what needs to be done.
Irritations on the inside of my mouth
The brackets (clasps) may feel rough just after your braces are placed or adjusted. This may cause small irritations or blisters on your cheeks, gums or lips. Within a few days, these irritations will disappear by themselves. If necessary, you can cover the sharp parts with a wet gauze or a ball of wax or a piece of sugar-free chewing gum at night. Translated
Forsus spring
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The rod is loose
You can easily replace the spring yourself: open your mouth as far as possible and push the spring (the upper part) in with one hand. You can then push the lower rod back in with the other hand. If you don't manage to put the spring back in yourself, you can temporarily secure the loose parts to the fixed bracket with an elastic band or dental floss. Call the practice to make an appointment.
Ring (Band) around a molar is loose
If possible, leave the band in place. If the ring does come off, keep it well and take it with you next time. Call the practice for an appointment to have the brace repaired. If the band has come off, tell the receptionist how long it has been off. Sometimes you may have to come in for another visit first to separate (place elastic band between your molars).
My jaw is starting to crooked
Call the practice or send a whatsapp message on the first possible working day to discuss what needs to be done.
Retention wire
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Wire behind my teeth is loose or broken but does not hurt
Make an appointment immediately to have the splint repaired. Wear your removable retention braces (night braces) as much as possible!
Wire behind my teeth is loose or broken and stings my tongue
Call the practice to fix the problem. . You may want to cover the sharp parts with a ball of wax or a piece of sugar-free gum at night. At the weekend, you may pull out the wire, but do keep it and bring it with you to the appointment.
My night brace no longer fits
Call the practice or send a whatsapp message on the first possible working day to discuss what needs to be done.
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In case of very severe pain symptoms caused by the brace, which you cannot fix yourself and which cannot wait until the next working day or until after the weekend, you can send a whatsapp to our practice (06-41033446) on working days between 7pm and 8pm and on weekends between 12pm and 2pm. We will then help you further.
During practice hours
You can call the practice or send an e-mail message. Depending on the problem, you will get an appointment at the practice at short notice or extra time will be reserved at your next appointment.
Evenings or weekends
In case of very severe pain symptoms caused by the braces, which you cannot fix yourself and which cannot wait until the next working day or until after the weekend, you can send a whatsapp from our practice (06-41033446) on weekdays between 7pm and 8pm and on weekends between 12pm and 2pm. We will then help you further.