First things first: stay calm! While actual orthodontic emergencies are super rare, we know that a poking wire can feel like a big deal when it’s happening to you. Most of the time, you can use a little precision and some household items to get comfortable again until we see you in the office!
If you are experiencing severe pain or an appliance problem you just can't fix, please call us right away! We’ll use our expertise to get you back on track quickly.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), and Naproxen sodium (Naprosyn®, Anaprox®) actually slow the tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
If a part of your appliance feels loose or is poking you, wax is your new best friend! Use as much as you need to stay comfortable, and call us as soon as possible so we can get your customized treatment plan back on schedule.
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.
Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp place wax on it.
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking.
If you have severe pain, a broken appliance that is preventing you from eating, or a traumatic injury to your mouth, that’s a real emergency! We’re here at every step, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re worried.
Possibly! Your treatment is a strategic journey, and every piece of advanced technology on your teeth has a job to do. Calling us quickly to repair damage ensures you stay on track for those proven results!
