Orthodontic Emergencies
We Are Here When You Need Us
True orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but when one comes up, we want you to know that we are available to you. As a general rule, call our office any time you are experiencing severe pain or have an appliance problem you cannot manage on your own. We will get you scheduled and take care of it.
What you may not realize is that many situations can be managed temporarily at home until you are able to come in. If a piece of your appliance comes loose and can be removed, put it in a small bag or envelope and bring it to your next appointment. If your braces are poking or irritating, orthodontic wax applied to the offending spot will provide relief. If a wire has shifted to one side, you can use needle-nosed pliers or tweezers to gently guide it back into the tube on the back tooth.
Once you have made yourself comfortable, please call our office as soon as you are able. Leaving a damaged appliance unaddressed for an extended period can affect your treatment progress, and we want to make sure everything stays on track.
General Soreness
Some soreness in the mouth is completely normal in the first few days after getting braces placed, and teeth can be tender to biting pressure for three to five days. A soft diet during this period will help. Rinsing with a warm salt-water solution, made by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, can soothe irritated gums and other tender spots. Orabase, available at most pharmacies, can be applied directly to sore areas for additional relief.
If tenderness is more significant, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you typically take for mild pain is fine to use. Note that Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) can slow tooth movement, so they are not recommended for regular use while you are in treatment.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated for the first one to two weeks as they adjust to the surface of the braces. Wax placed over the brackets will help. We will show you exactly how to apply it at your appointment.
Common Issues With Metal Braces
Loose Appliance
If a part of your appliance is poking or causing discomfort, place orthodontic wax directly on the area that is bothering you. That will keep you comfortable until we can see you in the office.
Loose Bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it where it is and apply wax if it is causing irritation. If the bracket or band comes free completely and can be removed without discomfort, place it in an envelope and bring it to your next appointment. We will take care of the repair.
Loose Wire
Using tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to gently move the wire back into its proper position. You can also use a small piece of floss to hold the wire in place by tying it around the bracket where the colored o-ring is missing. If the wire cannot be repositioned comfortably and wax is not providing enough relief, you may use a small fingernail clipper as a last resort to clip the wire just behind the last tooth it is securely fastened to.
Poking Wire
Use a pencil eraser to gently press the wire down and away from the soft tissue. If it continues to poke, place orthodontic wax over the end to protect the area until you can come in.
We see patients from Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. If you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency or are not sure whether your situation requires an immediate appointment, please call us at (302) 239-3531. You are in good hands with our Rockstar Team, and we will walk you through it.
About Rawlins Orthodontics
Rawlins Orthodontics is a family-owned, Board-Certified orthodontic practice serving Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS has cared for thousands of patients since 2011 and is named annually as one of Delaware's Top Orthodontists by Delaware Today Magazine. We offer braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and early intervention orthodontics for children and adults.
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