ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

Food
Certain foods can damage orthodontic appliances. Follow the basic rules of orthodontic
care - avoid sticky, hard, and sweet foods. Do not chew bubble gum or eat caramels, taffy, popcorn, nuts, peanut brittle, ice, corn-on-the-cob, or crisp tacos. Be very careful when eating carrot sticks (they must be thinly sliced), apples (cut into small wedges), meat off the bone, and hard breads.

General Soreness
It is common to experience some mouth soreness during orthodontic treatment; this can last for 3 to 4 days following installation or maintenance. To alleviate discomfort, we recommend that patients eat soft foods and rinse with warm salt water after each meal. Pain relievers also help. Patients can take the recommended dosage of Tylenol or Motrin if there is no history of adverse reactions to these medicines.

Injury
Orthodontic appliances can be damaged when a patient sustains an injury to the mouth or face.  Call for an appointment if teeth feel loose or if the appliance is broken.

Irritating Wire
If an appliance wire protrudes and begins to irritate any part of the mouth, gently try to tuck it under the archwire with the eraser of a pencil or cover it with wax.  Call our office for an appointment if this discomfort continues.

Loose Teeth
Do not be surprised if teeth feel loose during treatment. Teeth need to loosen before they can move into their new positions.

Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band becomes loose or a piece of the appliance comes off completely, call our office for an appointment.

Loss
If you lose your removable appliance, call our office to schedule an appointment to be re-fitted or re-equipped.

EMERGENCY
Emergency visits to the office can be made if a patient experiences severe pain or if an appliance is lost or broken.