Instructional Videos

Orthodontic Discomfort

Broken Brace
Poking wire
Broken retainer (wire)

Sometimes a bracket/retainer might come loose or a wire maybe a little pokey and create some orthodontic discomfort. Unless there is uncontrolled bleeding or pain, broken brackets/retainers and poking wires are not orthodontic emergencies. Please call our office the next business day and we will look after you as soon as possible. Please see below for home tips of what to do if you have a broken bracket, poking wire or retainer problem.

Wax

Wax can be placed over a sharp or loose bracket or wire to help alleviate discomfort until we are able to schedule an appointment to have it repaired. Wax was given to you in your starter kit, if you do not have any more wax, we have some available in our mailboxes located just outside our office front doors.

Forsus or X-bow Concerns

Sometimes your spring may come loose if you open too wide. It is often possible to open up very wide again and re-insert the rod back into the center of the spring. If you are unable to re-insert the rod you can often secure the rod to the lower teeth by tying it with floss. If you are unable to close your mouth please call the office during business hours or use the above after hours emergency link.

Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

When you first get your braces, and sometimes after an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers for a couple of days. Please call the office if your discomfort does not start to improve after 5 days. You can also gargle lukewarm salt water, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Loose Bracket

Loose brackets are not orthodontic emergencies and can often be made more comfortable with wax . Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment. If the very last bracket is loose you can often cut the wire in front of the bracket with fingernail clippers and the bracket can be removed. Fingernail clippers can be sterilized with alcohol or boiling water.

Loose/Poking Wire

If your wire comes out try putting the wire back in place using a clean pair of tweezers. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers to cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured and pull the wire out. Fingernail clippers can be sterilized with alcohol or boiling water.

Loose Retainers

Lost retainers should be replaced or fixed within a few days to prevent your teeth from shifting but are not an after hour emergency. Please call us during regular business hours to schedule your retainer repair. If your retainer is sharp, ponty or uncomfortable you can place wax or sugar free gum over the end to make it more comfortable until you are able to come in for an appointment.

Addressing Problems With Your Forsus or Crossbow Appliance

As your teeth move it is possible that a separator can come out. Do not worry about losing a separator but please come to your next appointment 15 minutes early to have your separator replaced. Please let our front desk know why you are early for your appointment.