If Your Teeth Are Sore After a Visit

Discomfort during the first few days is common. It’s caused from the new pressure being placed on the teeth and will dissipate within a week. Whatever you would normally take for a headache will help considerably – ibuprofen (such as Advil) is best. If possible, begin the pain reliever before the soreness begins and continue it every few hours (per the manufacturer’s recommendations).

Rinsing 6 to 12 times per day with salt water is the best way to prevent and relieve the soreness. Use warm water and as much salt as you can tolerate.

If Food Becomes Stuck Between Your Teeth

Use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.

If a Wire Causes Irritation

Push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil, handle of a spoon or a cotton swab. Do this looking in a mirror. Poking with a finger without looking almost never helps and sometimes makes things worse.

If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small amount of wax or silicone ear plug. Both materials are available at any drugstore. Then give us a call (or leave a message on our message machine) and to set up an appointment.

If the Main Wire Has Come out of the Brace or Tube

Attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers. If the wire is sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. Then give us a call (or leave a message on our message machine) to set up an appointment.

If You Develop a Sore Spot

Cover the source of the irritation with a small amount of wax or silicone ear plug. Both materials are available at any drugstore. This wax will cushion the irritated area as it heals. Also, to help the irritation heal, rinse with warm salt water.

If a Bracket Comes Loose from a Tooth

Call our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an emergency visit. Call even if you have an upcoming appointment since repairs of this nature usually take additional time and we want to be sure we have everything ready when you arrive.

If You Notice Small Spaces Developing Between Your Teeth

Don’t panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will close eventually.

If a Part of Your Braces or Your Retainer Breaks

Save the pieces and call to set up a repair visit.

If a Separator Comes Out

These are to open spaces to fit bands. Contact our office and we’ll let you know whether you need an appointment to have a new separator placed.

If You Experience Trauma to the Mouth

Contact your dentist immediately. After seeing your family dentist, please call our office so that we can take care of dislodged or displaced teeth, or damage to orthodontic appliances. If you are unable to reach your family dentis, call our office and we will be happy to assist you in the care of the injury. If the office is closed, please follow the instructions on the message machine to reach us via our pager.

If You Have Difficulty with Your Rubber Bands

Change your rubber bands after every meal as the elasticity wears out from use. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply.

If you forget to wear your elastics one day, don't double up the next day — just follow your regular instructions.

If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off call our office immediately.

If You Need Suggestions Regarding Your Retainer(s)

Avoid flipping your retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of the retainer.

Clean your retainer by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner (Efferdent or Polident) can be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you are wearing a bonded wire retainer behind your teeth, be extra careful to clean the wire and the area around it. Flossing should be done every day.

Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may throw it away. Don't put it in your pocket when playing or you may break or lose it. Whenever it is not in your mouth it should be in its plastic case.

Keep your retainer away from dogs and cats — they love to chew on them! Avoid storing them near any source of heat. And don’t boil your retainer to sterilize it.

Additional charges will be incurred for lost or broken retainers.

Braces Diagram