There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call us as soon as possible, so we can fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, the following information can help resolve minor problems you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment.
If teeth are sore after a visit, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinses may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
If your braces cause irritation, try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. 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 or sterilized in alcohol.
If the main wire or bracket comes loose, first call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office on the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.
If a separator comes out, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Some patients may lose a separator during treatment, which is common.