Emergency Care

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, we want to ensure our patients that we are readily available to provide the necessary assistance. As a general rule, it is crucial for you to contact our office immediately whenever you experience excruciating pain or encounter a painful appliance problem that cannot be resolved independently. Our team will promptly schedule an appointment for you in order to effectively address and resolve the issue at hand.

Surprisingly, in certain situations, you may find yourself capable of temporarily mitigating some problems until your visit with us becomes possible. In case there is a loose piece within your braces that can be safely removed, we kindly request you place it inside a plastic bag or envelope so that it can be brought along during your next appointment as useful information for assessment. If any part of your braces begins poking or causing discomfort, applying soft wax onto the specific area where it protrudes can alleviate such unease. Additionally, if by chance the wire has slightly shifted towards one side, employing needle-nosed pliers allows you to carefully guide and reposition the wire back into its designated tube on the corresponding back tooth.

After alleviating your discomfort, it is imperative that you still reach out to our office at your earliest convenience in order to schedule a time for us to repair the issue. We understand that life can get busy and unexpected inconveniences arise, but allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may lead to unnecessary disruptions in your treatment plan. By promptly arranging a repair appointment with us, we can address any lingering concerns or adjustments needed, ensuring that your orthodontic journey remains on track. Rest assured that our team will work diligently during these appointments, even accommodating daytime slots that might align with school hours. This approach guarantees sufficient time for thorough assessment and provides you with maximum benefits from each visit.

General soreness

When you get your braces on, it is natural to experience general soreness in your mouth. During the initial days, you may notice that your teeth are tender to biting pressures. To alleviate any discomfort while eating, it is recommended to stick to a soft diet until chewing becomes painless again.

Additionally, if you have irritated gums or any other sore spots, a warm salt-water mouthwash can provide relief. Simply dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously with this solution. Another option for a more pleasant taste is using The Natural Dentist's Healthy Gums Rinse as an alternative mouthwash. In case you still experience discomfort, applying Orabase on the affected area can help relieve the soreness; this product should be available at most pharmacies. However, if the tenderness is severe and persists, taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whichever pain reliever you normally use for headaches or similar pains can be helpful. It's important to note that certain over-the-counter medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) could slow down the tooth movement caused by braces; thus, they are not advisable for frequent use throughout orthodontic treatment.

Additionally, it is essential to note that the lips, cheeks, and tongue might encounter some irritation for about one to two weeks as they adapt to a new posture and acquaint themselves with the surface of the braces. To alleviate any discomfort caused by these adjustments, one can apply wax onto their braces; an effective measure we will gladly demonstrate!

Headgear

At times, you may experience a certain level of discomfort due to your failure to adhere to the instructions provided by your orthodontist regarding wearing headgear. It is imperative that you refer to the guidelines provided by your orthodontist for proper usage. In case you notice any alteration or bending in the facebow, which is a crucial metal component of the headgear, it is highly recommended that you promptly reach out to our office for immediate assistance. As part of your treatment plan, it is important to note that as you consistently wear the headgear, any discomfort experienced should gradually diminish over time. Therefore, ensuring that you diligently follow and complete the prescribed number of hours will contribute significantly towards achieving optimal results in your orthodontic journey.

Loose Appliance

If you find yourself dealing with a loose appliance that is causing discomfort, apply wax on the offending part.

Loose Bracket

If you find yourself facing the situation of a loose bracket, it is important to handle it with care and follow the appropriate steps. If your bracket or band remains attached to the wire, do not remove it yourself, as this may lead to further complications. Instead, leave it in place and utilize wax if necessary for added comfort while waiting for your next dental appointment. If you can easily remove the bracket or band, place it in an envelope and bring it to your next appointment.

Loose Wire

When faced with the inconvenience of a loose wire, there are several practical steps you can take to address the issue promptly and ensure your orthodontic comfort. Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, gently attempt to put the wire back into its proper position within the brackets. In cases where this proves challenging, one useful technique involves utilizing a piece of floss as an alternative means of securing the wire. By tying the floss firmly around the bracket in place of any missing colored o-ring, you can effectively stabilize the wayward wire until professional assistance is available. However, if these initial remedies fail to provide relief or achieve desired results, it may be necessary – albeit as a last resort – to employ a small fingernail clipper for clipping the wire behind its final secure attachment tooth. If any discomfort persists due to sharp ends protruding from clipped wires, applying dental wax serves as an effective measure for temporary relief until further action can be taken by your orthodontist or dental health professional.

Poking Wire

One practical solution to address poking wire is to use a pencil eraser to gently push down on the wire. You may also consider placing wax on the pliable surface of the eraser.