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.
Quick DIY Comfort Guide
- Poking Wire: Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat against your tooth, or cover the end with a pea-sized ball of wax.
- Loose Bracket: If the bracket is still on the wire, leave it be and add some wax for comfort. If it comes off, save it in an envelope for your next visit!
- Long Wire: If a wire has shifted, try using tweezers or needle-nosed pliers to slide it back into the tube. As a last resort, you can use sterilized nail clippers to snip the extra bit.
- General Soreness: It’s totally normal to feel a little tender for 3 to 5 days after an adjustment. Stick to soft foods and rinse with warm salt water. Our doctors recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the best results, as other over-the-counter meds can actually slow down your strategic tooth movement!
Making Headgear Comfortable
We know headgear can be a bit of a transition! If your facebow gets bent, give us a call so we can fix it with precision. Remember, the more you wear it, the more comfortable it becomes. You're doing a great job—keep it up!
Loose Appliances
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.
Olsen Orthodontics Reviews
10/10 this place is great😆
We’ve had such a great experience with Olsen Orthodontics! The office has such a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and the entire staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Everyone always makes us feel comfortable and cared for from the moment we walk in. The doctors are fantastic, knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely kind. They’ve made the whole orthodontic process such a positive experience. We’re so glad we chose Olsen Orthodontics and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for orthodontic care!
I love it and the process was super easy I was so comfortable everyone in the office was super nice .
Very professional and relaxed atmosphere! We had a great provider today and she appeared to love what you does.
Went smoothly! The dental hygienist was very attentive to my questions. Home supplies were replenished and a new item to help with soreness was explained to me and shown how to use. All were placed nicely in my handbag. I was very pleased with my progress as was the dental hygienist. Thank you.
811
Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
Emergency Care Questions
What counts as a "real" emergency?
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.
Will a broken bracket delay my results?
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!
