Emergency and Care
Orthodontic emergencies can happen from time to time, but most issues can be managed safely at home until you’re able to visit our office. Below, you’ll find helpful tips for common problems like loose brackets, poking wires, and general discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain or need assistance, please contact our office and we’ll be happy to help.
Common Questions
What if I broke something or it came loose?
Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please refer the situations below for common solutions to orthodontic issues and watch the video above for visual demonstrations of fixes.
What if I have braces with loose brackets or bands?
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
My wires or brackets irritate my mouth, what can I do?
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
I lost my separators, what do I do?
Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
What if I have discomfort with my orthodontic treatment?
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take Acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new orthodontic appliances. Warm salt water rinses at least twice a day will help to heal gum tissue sores from your orthodontic treatment . A warm wash cloth or heating pad may also reduce soreness in your jaws.