Emergency Care

Wire poking? Loose bracket? No problem. Please contact us immediately if you notice anything broken, loose or uncomfortable. Calling ahead gives us the ability to schedule an emergency visit for you so your issue can be addressed as soon as possible.

If you have a wire that is poking, you can use the orthodontic wax we provide you to shield off the cheek or gum tissue. The eraser end of a pencil, the cotton tip of a Q-Tip, sugarless gum or a cotton ball can also be useful in covering the end of the wire. If that doesn’t help, you may also use fingernail clippers that have been washed and rubbed with alcohol to trim the wire. Regardless of what you choose to do, please make sure to call the office to schedule an emergency visit.

If you notice a loose bracket, you can either let it be in its original spot and wait until Monday, or move it closer to the next stable bracket. That often keeps the bracket from rolling around in the wire. Orthodontic wax can also help stabilize the bracket until your emergency appointment.

Sometimes a new aligner may “dig” or be slightly uncomfortable causing some minor irritation on your gum tissue. Smoothing off the offending portion will keep your treatment on track.

If you feel sore after your braces were placed or adjusted, you may take acetaminophen or any other pain reliever as you normally would for a regular headache.

If a retainer cracks or is lost, call us for an appointment as soon as possible. Teeth will move, especially if you just recently had your braces removed.

Please remember, the rule of thumb is to call the office as soon as possible so we can better assist you.

Loose Bracket

The brace may slide or rotate on the wire. If uncomfortable, cover the loose brace with wax. If the bracket in the very back comes loose, you may remove it and bring it to your next appointment. Call our office during business hours to schedule a repair appointment.

Poking Wire

This usually occurs in the back of the mouth, and can be a result of successful tooth movement. Wax can be applied to the poking area to keep you comfortable until we can get you scheduled. If the poking wire is quite uncomfortable, you may attempt to clip it with fingernail clippers or wire clippers. If a flexible accessory wire or hook is poking, you can use a pencil eraser to tuck it under the brace.