Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies are, thankfully, very rare. The following topics can help you address most orthodontic problems at home. However, for any situation you cannot resolve on your own, contact our office as soon as possible so we can schedule an appointment for you.

You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinse may also reduce any soreness in your jaws.

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been properly washed and sterilized.

Contact our office to schedule a refitting or repair. In situations where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been properly washed and sterilized.

Contact our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Many patients naturally lose separators during treatment, and it is rarely a cause for concern.