What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
An injury to the mouth or face is a true emergency. For a knocked-out or chipped tooth, seek emergency dental care right away, then follow up with us for an orthodontic check.
If there is swelling, bleeding that does not stop, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For sports, a properly fitted mouthguard protects the teeth, lips and braces. Read Sports and Braces: How to Protect Your Smile.
What should I do if a bracket comes loose?
Call us as soon as we are open so we can book a repair. Most loose or broken brackets can be fixed quickly.
If the bracket is still on the wire, leave it in place, and cover it with orthodontic wax if it rubs. If it has come off completely, keep it and bring it to your appointment. To help stop it happening again, avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods such as popcorn, nuts, caramel and gummy candy. See What Foods Can You Eat With Braces?.
What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek?
Cover the sharp end with a small, pea-sized piece of orthodontic wax, then call us as soon as we are open to book a repair.
Warm the wax in your hand first so it sticks. You can also gently push a poking wire back against the tooth with the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. If the end of the wire is long and wax does not help, it can be clipped carefully with clean, sanitized nail clippers. Read Winter Break Smile Care Tips.
Is it normal for teeth to be sore with braces or aligners?
Yes. Teeth often feel tender for 3 to 5 days after braces go on or after an adjustment, and for a day or two after a new set of aligners. Pressure is normal, but sharp pain is not, and it is worth a call.
Soft foods for the first few days, ice-cold water and a warm saltwater rinse (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) for small sores all help. Standard over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed, following the dosage on the bottle. Our patients can also use the Dental Pain Eraser, a drug-free device, at home. Read Do Braces Hurt? and Does Invisalign Hurt?.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
Do not panic, and you do not need to call us. Put in your next aligner and wear it for a few extra days. It may feel a little tighter than usual.
If the next aligner does not fit, go back to your previous aligner and give us a call. Never go without wearing an aligner, because your teeth can begin to shift back. Keep every aligner, the ones you have worn, your current one and your future ones, and bring them all to each appointment. Wrapping aligners in a napkin and throwing them away by accident is the most common way they are lost, so put them straight into their case. See our clear aligner FAQs.
What if an attachment comes off?
If one or two attachments come off and the aligner still fits well, keep wearing your aligners and change them as planned. If the aligner is now loose, call us so we can book time to repair the attachment.
Attachments are small, tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth so the aligner has something to grip. If several come off, keep wearing your aligners and contact us. Your aligners still work without them.
What should I do if my retainer is lost, broken or does not fit?
Call us so we can order a new one. Until it is ready, wear a spare retainer, or the final aligners from your treatment, if you have them.
Do not wear a retainer that is cracked, chewed or has a sharp edge, because it can cut your gums or cheek. If a retainer feels tight after a few missed nights, consistent wear usually brings back a comfortable fit. If it still will not click fully into place after 2 to 3 days of consistent wear, call us. Pets are the most common reason we replace retainers, so keep yours in its case. We also offer free retainer consultations, even if we were not your original orthodontist. See Retainers, My Retainers Hurt and My Dog Ate My Retainer.
What if my child’s palatal expander feels loose?
Call us rather than waiting for the next appointment. A loose expander is not something to watch at home, because it can affect the expansion already achieved.
If the key does not turn smoothly, or your child feels sharp pain rather than pressure during a turn, stop and call us. With a fixed expander, avoid sticky, hard and very chewy foods such as caramel, gum, hard candy and whole nuts. Read How Do I Turn My Child’s Palatal Expander at Home? and What Foods Should My Child Avoid With a Palatal Expander?.
Not sure whether something needs a visit? Call us at (506) 633-0555.