What to Do If Something Goes Wrong With Your Braces

Sometimes, brackets or wires can break. Don’t ignore this! Broken wires and brackets can cause pain and sores in your mouth, extend your treatment time, and make it less effective.

Below are some tips to help you during an orthodontic emergency, but remember; it’s always best to make an appointment right away. We’ll get you in to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands

Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We will fit you in at the first opportunity to repair the loose part of your braces.

If it’s the middle of the night or a weekend, you might need to cut a wire or slide a bracket off. Wash a set of nail clippers and sterilize them in alcohol; then use those to cut the wire. Call us on the next business day.

Wire Irritations

Take a cotton swab or eraser to move the wire from the spot it is irritating. If you cannot move the wire, cover it with a small piece of cotton or some wax.

If the wire is still painful and you cannot wait for an appointment, you can cut the wire. Wash a set of nail clippers and sterilize them in alcohol; then use those to cut the wire. Call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Lost Separators

Give us a call to schedule an appointment. If necessary, we’ll get your separators replaced as soon as possible.

Braces Discomfort

Take acetaminophen or other pain relievers (NOT aspirin). You can also rest a warm washcloth or heating pad on your jaws.

Keep in mind, a certain amount of discomfort during the first weeks of treatment is normal.

However, if it’s more than you can handle, call our office for an appointment.

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