Emergency Orthodontic Care
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you experience one, we are here to assist you. Generally, you should contact our office when you have severe pain or encounter a painful issue with your appliance that you cannot address on your own. We will schedule an appointment to resolve the problem promptly.
Surprisingly, you may be able to temporarily manage many problems until your appointment with our office. Familiarize yourself with the different parts of your appliance so that you can identify the broken or displaced component.
After relieving your discomfort, it is crucial to contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair. Delaying the resolution of a damaged appliance may disrupt your treatment plan.
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may experience general soreness in your mouth, and your teeth may be tender when biting for three to five days. Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash to alleviate this discomfort. Mix one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and vigorously rinse your mouth. Applying Orabase, available at pharmacies, to the affected area may also help. If the soreness is severe, you can take aspirin or your preferred pain reliever.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated and toughen during the first one to two weeks as they adjust to the braces. Applying wax to the braces can help alleviate this irritation. We will show you how to do it.
Loose Appliance
If your appliance is causing discomfort, place wax on the specific area. If something is loose or ill-fitting, contact our office for an adjustment.
Loose Bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply wax. If the wire comes out completely, wrap the bracket with a tissue. You can store the broken bracket in an envelope and bring it to your next appointment.
Loose Wire
Attempt to reposition the wire using tweezers. If this does not help, use wax as a temporary solution. As a last resort, if the wire continues to cause discomfort, you can use small fingernail clippers to cut the wire behind the last securely fastened tooth.
Poking Wire
Push the poking wire down using a pencil eraser or apply wax to alleviate the discomfort.
25500 Rancho Niguel Rd #160,
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677