If the main wire has come out of the brace or tube on a back molar tooth
attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
If a brace comes loose from a tooth
it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose brace(s), since repairs of this nature usually take additional time.
If your teeth become sore after a visit
we generally recommend that you take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). This, of course, is the protocol only if there are no known allergies to these medications. Rinsing with Peroxyl or a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing.
If a part of your braces or your retainer breaks
save the piece and call to set up a repair visit.
If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth
while you have braces on, don’t panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
If a rubber separator falls out
it may or may not be necessary to replace them. Please call the office the next morning.
If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing
that usually means there is a local area of inflammation. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing, flossing and rinsing with Listerine. If a particular area is painful or you notice a bump of any sort, you should address this to your orthodontist as soon as possible.
If food becomes stuck between your teeth
use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
Dr. M. H. Butt graduated in 1980 from University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. He practiced Public Health Dentistry from 1980 to 1984. In 1985, he received a Master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health.
From 1985 to 1986 Dr. Butt was a Research Fellow at the Department of Orthodontics in Indiana University. Later, from 1986 to 1988 he was a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Orthodontics in the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In 1988 he was awarded a Certificate in Orthodontics from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Forsyth Dental Center. In 1991 he graduated Magna Cum Laude in D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. In the same year, he started a private practice in Marshfield, Massachusetts. In 2001 he opened a second practice in Somerville
Dr. Butt has also been associated as an Orthodontic Consultant and Practitioner with several Dental Group Practices in Greater Metropolitan Boston area over the past twelve years. Dr. Butt is an active member of the American Dental Association, American Orthodontic Association, Massachusetts Dental Society and Massachusetts Society of Orthodontics.