Life Happens — We’re Here When It Does
Ouch, My Mouth Is Sore. What Can I Do?
Sore teeth during orthodontic treatment are normal and result from the forces placed on the teeth to move them. There may be some discomfort and soreness for a few weeks after getting your braces on and for several days after an adjustment. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken to help reduce the soreness. Areas of your mouth like your lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated as they adjust to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this discomfort.
My Appliance Feels Loose. What Should I Do?
If a bonded appliance comes loose, it can cause irritation and soreness. A loose orthodontic appliance will not move teeth to their proper positions. This can result in a delay in treatment progress. It is important to call us to inquire about scheduling an appointment to repair the loose appliance.
Whoops! My Bracket Is Loose. What Should I Do?
In most cases, a loose bracket will remain attached to the wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Sometimes the brace may move or slide back and forth on the wire. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire. If tissue irritation occurs, cover the loose brace with orthodontic wax to help the sore area heal.
Uh-Oh. My Wires Are Feeling Loose. What Should I Do?
If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum, until you can see us for an adjustment.
A Wire Is Jabbing Me In The Cheek. What Should I Do?
If a wire is poking you, place a piece of wax over the area and call our office to schedule an adjustment appointment. If the wire is poking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort until you can see us for an adjustment.
I Was Hit In The Teeth & Mouth While Playing Sports. What Should I Do?
Regardless of whether or not you’re currently going through orthodontic treatment, it’s important to ice the area as soon as possible and to contact our office immediately. We’ll schedule an x-ray for us to look more closely at the area where you were hit. If a tooth is fractured or knocked out, contact your general dentist immediately as we may not have the necessary anesthesia and materials needed to repair the damage.
I’m Hurting And Your Office Is Closed. What Should I Do?
If you’re experiencing pain after our office is already closed, contact us and someone from our team will reach out to you as soon as possible to walk you through ways to alleviate your pain.