What does it mean to have your mouth wired shut?
Mechanism. Jaw wiring is performed by attaching orthodontic brackets to the teeth, and wrapping pliable wire either around or through the brackets or with the use of arch bars or loops affixed with wires around the teeth, or with metal splints bonded to the teeth.
How much weight do you lose when your mouth is wired shut?
You may lose 5–10% of your normal body weight while jaws are wired shut. You will be limited to a liquid diet until your jaws are no longer tightly held together. It is especially important to drink adequate amounts of fluids, 3–4 liters per day.
How do you brush your teeth if your jaw is wired shut?
Brush your teeth and wires by using rotating motions directly on the teeth and wires. Brush until the wires are shiny clean. Use the Peridex (Chlorhexidine) mouth rinse prescribed by Dr. Turesky twice a day after brushing, Swish in your mouth for one minute then spit out.
Can you still talk with your jaw wired shut?
You may find it difficult to talk and be understood the first week or so after fixation. Be patient and try not to be frustrated if people cannot understand you. Talk as slowly and as distinctly as you can. Carry a pen and pad for especially difficult times, but do not become too dependent on them.
Is jaw wiring removal painful?
Jaw wiring isn’t painful. Your doctor will wire your teeth together while you are still under general anesthesia. Plus, during recovery, you may actually experience post-operative numbness because a lot of the nerves in the lips, chin, and gums may still need to heal.
How long will my jaw be wired shut?
Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.
How long will jaw be wired shut?
How long do they wire a jaw shut?
Jaw wiring occurs after some types of jaw surgery or following a traumatic injury to your jaw. You may have your jaw wired for up to six weeks while recovering and need to plan, prepare, and consume nutritious meals during that time.
Does it hurt to have your jaw wired shut?
What should I know about having my mouth wired shut?
Tips on having your mouth wired shut. The braces that they use to wire your jaw shut are not made to keep your teeth straight. It uses your teeth to hold your mouth closed, so they will most likely move at least a little bit during the time that your mouth is wired shut. This should be the LEAST of your worries though.
Why do I need to have my jaw wired shut?
You may need to have your jaw wired shut for a number of reasons, including: Your doctor will likely wire your jaw shut following surgery to correct one of these conditions. The wires will help your jaw heal properly the way a cast or other protective device would stabilize a broken bone elsewhere.
How to keep your mouth clean while your jaw is wired?
You need to keep your mouth clean while your jaw is wired. This includes: using a mouth rinse or salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) to clean your mouth a few times a day, such as after eating Other practices you may want to consider while your jaw is wired include:
Do you brush your gums when your mouth is wired?
It is just really really sore brushing your gums. You should still always brush your gums everyday when your jaw is wired because its harder to keep your mouth clean, and you want it to stay as clean as possible (especially if the incision is inside of your mouth).