If you experience an orthodontic emergency, such as a broken or lost appliance, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled soon, please call us immediately to let us know that you need an appliance repaired. We will also be able to provide you with any needed instructions on what to do until you can come to see our orthodontist.
Broken Brackets and Wires
We know that you are trying to be careful with what you eat and how you chew, but broken brackets or wires can occasionally happen. If you notice that a bracket is loose or dangling on the wire, please give our office a call so Dr. Lee can repair it. Fixing a broken bracket right away will prevent any delays in your treatment. If a wire is irritating your cheek or gum, you can try to cover the area of discomfort with wax or clip the wire using nail clippers or scissors that have been sterilized with alcohol. If you are unable to cut the wire or resolve the irritation with wax, please call our office, and Dr. Lee will be able to resolve the discomfort for you.
Relieving irritation from a poking wire
If a wire is irritating your cheek or gum, you can try to cover the area of discomfort with wax or clip the wire using nail clippers or scissors that have been sterilized with alcohol. If your gum or cheek is red or swollen, please call our office and Dr. Lee will be able to resolve the discomfort for you.
Soreness from Braces
It is normal to feel some tightness or soreness in your mouth after you have started orthodontic treatment. The best way to manage this discomfort is to take over the counter ibuprofen. The soreness is usually the worst a day or two after your appointment and should resolve over the first week. If your discomfort is lasting beyond a week or two after your visit, or is not improving with ibuprofen, please contact our office so Dr. Lee can take a closer look.
Preventing Emergencies
Most orthodontic emergencies are from broken braces or poking wires. Both of these can be prevented if you follow the recommendations for eating and avoiding certain foods. Remember to chew gently and cut all food into small pieces. Try not to bite on anything crunchy, sticky, or hard. If you stick to these rules, you should be able to prevent most, if not all, emergencies, and as an added benefit, it will speed up your treatment progress as well!