What if your teeth get sore after a visit?

If your teeth get sore after a visit, we generally recommend that you take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). This, of course, assumes there are no known allergies to these medications. Rinsing with warm salted water and can also be soothing.

What if food gets stuck?

If food gets stuck between your teeth, either use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. Vigorous rinsing and good brushing will usually dislodge most food particles.

What if a wire causes irritation?

If the main wire comes out of the bracket or tube on a back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the brace. This is a last resort if professional help is not available.

What if a bracket comes loose from a tooth?

In this case, it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not a cause for an extra visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition the bracket if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose bracket, since repairs of this nature usually take additional time.

What if an expander is loose?

If one side comes loose, don't panic. We will have to remove the other side in the office. We will either rebond (glue) it back on or remove it and move on to the next stage.

What if you suffer trauma to the mouth?

If teeth are chipped, call your dentist first. If, however, the teeth are displaced or the wire is badly bent, call our office.