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
Shoutout to Olsen Orthodontics (Southern Pines, NC) — always professional, easy to work with, and just good people all around. Front desk, techs, dentists… everybody always made the process smooth.And my girl who makes the retainers… she’s the truth. Seriously good at what she does. Appreciate the consistency, the care, and the results over the years.
Had the Best experience with my Braces journey! If i had to do it all over again, I still would choose this staff n Doctors! You guys are the Best! I will miss seeing you guys, but was told I can stop by anytime!
One of the best experiences ever with any form of doctor/dental/orthodontist offices. Very clear, efficient and courteous.
My whole experience from checking in was so AMAZING! Chena is so well trained on her job, she’s so kind & so was the doctor! Thank you ♥️
I highly recommend Olsen Orthodontics. They are professional, courteous, & top notch. Every staff member from the receptionists to the doctors genuinely care for the patient & their experience. Staff are friendly, very knowledgeable & listen to concerns. They put patients at ease from the very first visit to the last. If you ever need them, you can always reach them. My experience was great. I can’t thank them enough for the care I received. By the time my treatment was finished, they felt like family & I’m going to miss seeing them!Paula Varner
773
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!
