Emergency orthodontics

When you get your braces on, you will feel general soreness in your mouth and your teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3-5 days. This is normal. Taking medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as directed) can help to reduce the amount of discomfort that you may feel. Warm salt water rinses can also help (dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water). The use of orthodontic wax can be placed on any brackets that may be causing irritation to your lips and cheeks.

If a bracket becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, simply leave it in place. Place wax over the area if it is causing irritation. If the bracket or band comes off the wire, please save it and bring it with you to your next appointment. If the missing bracket or band leaves a wire that pokes your lips or cheek, please see the instructions below. Please call us during business hours to determine if we need to schedule an appointment to replace the bracket or if it can wait until your next appointment.

Sometimes, especially early in treatment, your orthodontic wires may shift. When this happens, the wire may begin to poke your cheek in the back of your mouth. To take care of this situation, until you can be seen during regular office hours, you can place wax over the area to keep the wire from poking. If this does not work, use a pair of fingernail clippers or small wire cutters (that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol) to cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.