If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, always call 9-1-1. True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but a poking wire or appliance is still uncomfortable. Give us a call, and we will schedule an appointment as soon as we can. Below are a couple of tricks and tips to help make you comfortable until your next visit. Make sure you schedule an appointment for something broken. Prolonged broken appliances can make treatment longer.
Sore Cheeks
Especially after initial placement, braces and wires will rub your cheeks & tongue, and they can cause soreness. Your body will get used to this new sensation in 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, and put wax on those stubborn areas to help your tissue heal.
Sore Teeth
After braces are first placed and after every braces adjustment (or “tightening”), your teeth will feel sore. This soreness usually lasts 1-2 weeks. The initial braces placement is usually the most sore. You can Advil or Tylenol (whatever you usually use for headaches) to help with the soreness. Stay on a soft diet until your teeth are less sore, then slowly introduce more solid food.
Loose Appliances
If something is loose or broken, put wax on the area that is bothering you. Make sure that the area is as dry as possible, because a wet surface will cause the wax to fall off. If a bracket is loose and falls off, keep it & bring it with you to your appointment so we may help you glue it back.
If you have a loose expander, STOP turning the appliance while you wait for an appointment for re-cementation.
To avoid loose appliances in the future, make sure to adhere to the food list.
Poking Wire
Wires will tend to shift as your teeth get straighter. They can also shift in your mouth when you are biting, chewing, or talking. A wire may shift out of the bracket and start to poke. If this happens, dry the area as much as possible (with a tissue, napkin, or q-tip) and press wax onto the poking bracket or wire area. You can also try to use your finger or the tip of a pencil eraser to gently press the wire back towards your tooth.
If you or your family member are experiencing orthodontic emergencies, call us at (707) 474-4707 for help.