Emergency Care

When you first have your braces put on, it’s common to experience some soreness in your mouth, with tender teeth lasting for three to five days. During this time, sticking to a soft diet can help alleviate discomfort while chewing. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water solution can provide relief for irritated gums and sore spots. If the tenderness is severe, you can take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief, but it’s best to avoid aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) as they can slow tooth movement.

It’s normal for the lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated as they adjust to the presence of braces, usually lasting one to two weeks. Applying wax to the braces can help alleviate this discomfort, and we’ll be happy to show you how to do it during your visit. Your comfort is important to us, and we’re here to provide guidance and support throughout your orthodontic journey.

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.

Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp place wax on it.

If you’re experiencing discomfort with your headgear, it may be due to not wearing it as instructed by your orthodontist. Please follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist for wearing your headgear correctly. If you notice that the facebow (metal piece) is bent or causing discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance. Remember, the headgear should become more comfortable the longer you wear it, so make sure to adhere to the prescribed number of hours recommended by your orthodontist.