Orthodontic emergency help

If a bracket comes loose but is still on the wire, leave it. If it’s rubbing, cover it with orthodontic wax. If it has come off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment.

Call us even if it feels fine. A loose bracket isn’t moving that tooth, and we need to fix it.

• Use a cotton swab or a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat.
• If it won’t move, cover the end with orthodontic wax or a small piece of cotton.
• If it really hurts and you can’t get to us, clip the end with clean nail clippers. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol first, and clip behind the last bracket holding the wire.
• Then call to schedule a repair, even if it feels better.

Try to ease it back with clean tweezers (wipe them with rubbing alcohol first). If that doesn’t work, cover the end with wax and call us.

Soreness is normal for a few days after you get braces or after an adjustment. It’s the same with each new set of aligners. What helps:

• Rinse with warm salt water: about a teaspoon of salt in a glass (8 oz) of warm water.
• Take an over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain reliever if you need one. Follow the label.
• Hold a warm washcloth or heating pad against your jaw.
• Eat soft foods for a day or two.

If the pain is severe or doesn’t settle, call us.

Spacers (also called separators) are the little rubber rings that go between teeth before some appliances. Losing one is really common. Call us, and we’ll let you know if it needs replacing.

Don’t try to fix or bend it yourself, and don’t force on one that no longer fits. Call the office and we’ll tell you what to do next. With aligners, that might mean moving to your next set or going back to your last one until we see you. See retainers and clear aligners.

Call us. Don’t keep turning it if something feels wrong, and don’t try to remove it.