Emergency Care
Orthodontic appliances generally do not cause severe pain. If the appliance is causing pain that cannot be resolved at home, or if an appliance is broken, call the orthodontist’s office for assistance. The problem should be resolved promptly to avoid delays in treatment.
Many problems can be solved temporarily, while the mouth adjusts or until an appointment at the office can be made. Make sure to accurately identify the part of the appliance that is broken or is causing a problem.
Poking wire
Use dental wax to cover the wire where it is hurting. Use a pencil eraser to push the wire down until the next appointment.
Loose bracket/band
If the bracket or band remains attached to the wire, leave it alone and use wax to stick it in place. If the bracket has come out all the way, wrap the bracket with a tissue and schedule an appointment immediately.
Loose wire
Use wax. Use tweezers to put the wire back in place. As a last resort, use fingernail clippers to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened.
Loose appliance
Use wax to cover the portion that is irritating the mouth.
Improper fit of headgear
Headgear discomfort can be caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed. Headgear may hurt less the more it is worn.
Bent facebow
Call the office for assistance. Do not wear the headgear unless otherwise instructed until the next appointment.
Soreness or tenderness
Routine adjustments and new appliances can cause tenderness in the cheeks, lips, tongue and teeth for several days.
Using wax on rough areas of the braces can help while the mouth adjusts. Try warm saltwater rinses, using one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water.
Orabase, an over-the-counter oral pain reliever can soothe the mouth, or take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
