If you or your child’s brackets are loose and aggravating their mouth, place a small amount of wax on the part causing discomfort. If a bracket has fully detached from the braces, simply put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If you or your child are not in severe pain, please give us a call during business hours so we can make you an extra appointment.

If you notice that your wires or your child's wires become loose, it’s important to address the issue promptly as they can cause discomfort and potentially harm the teeth. To alleviate the discomfort of a loose wire, use a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers to try and put it back into place. If neither of these options ease the wire into a more comfortable position, use a small fingernail clipper to trim the wire and add wax to keep it from poking.

If you or your child’s wires are poking the surrounding tissues, adding soft wax on the sharp end may alleviate discomfort. If it is after-hours and you are unable to alleviate the discomfort yourself and you or your child are in severe pain and/or cannot eat, contact a dentist near you as soon as possible. Wires that remain damaged over a period of time can prolong treatment times and even cause unwanted infections.

It’s completely normal for orthodontic patients to feel slight discomfort for a couple of days as their teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to their new braces. Please feel free to take or administer age-appropriate over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. After this short period, the pain should ease as the teeth and jaw begin to adapt to the pressure of the braces.

Avoiding hard, sticky foods such as caramel apples and peanut brittle can help keep your teeth and orthodontic appliances strong and free from any orthodontic or dental issues. If you or your child have a habit of chewing ice, pencils, or other non-food items, it’s important to avoid these behaviors to avoid problematic dental emergencies in the future.

When it comes to the health of you and your child, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Give us a call at (301) 867-7584 and one of our team members will help decide if a visit to the office is necessary, and if not, they’ll give you recommendations on home treatments.

Here are some steps you can take when you think you or your child may be experiencing an emergency:

• Stay Calm: It's important to remain calm and reassure yourself or your child if you or they are experiencing an orthodontic emergency. Keeping a level head will help you handle the situation more effectively.
• Assess the Situation: Examine your or your child's braces or orthodontic appliance to determine the severity of the issue. Look for loose brackets, wires, or any signs of discomfort or pain.
• Contact Our Office: Reach out to our experienced orthodontic team as soon as possible. We’ll provide guidance over the phone and schedule an emergency appointment to address the issue promptly.
• Temporary Relief: If you or your child is experiencing discomfort, you can provide temporary relief by applying orthodontic wax to any protruding wires or using a saltwater rinse to soothe any oral irritation.