Orthodontic Emergencies

While not a serious issue, it can be a bit uncomfortable. You can easily address this by using dental floss. Consider knotting the floss to help dislodge the trapped food, or you can use a toothpick or an interproximal brush that goes between your brackets to help.

It's not uncommon to feel some soreness or tenderness in the days following the application of your braces. Usually, this lasts between three to five days. Consider using saltwater rinses or numbing gels like Orajel to ease the discomfort.

If these don't provide relief, consider taking ibuprofen. For any irritation on the inner cheeks and lips, dental wax on the offending braces can be a lifesaver.

Separators—which are elastic spacers often placed between your teeth to create space for molar bands—are usually in position for 7 – 14 days before band placement. If a separator becomes loose or falls out, it's not a major concern. However, it's always good to notify Pierce Orthodontics so we can advise you on the next steps.

You might experience mouth sores during treatment. Although braces don't directly cause these sores, they can exacerbate the irritation they cause.

You may notice these sore patches on your cheeks, lips, or tongue. While this isn't an emergency, it can be quite uncomfortable.

For immediate relief, dab a small amount of topical anesthetic (like Orabase or Ora-Gel) onto the affected areas using a cotton swab. Feel free to reapply when necessary.

Brackets are the individual pieces attached to each tooth. Should one come loose or break, it's important not to panic. Leave the bracket as-is if it’s still attached to the wire, and avoid flicking the loose bracket with your tongue.

You can cover the bracket with dental wax if it causes any irritation. Schedule an appointment with Pierce Orthodontics so Dr. Tim can assess and fix it.

Occasionally, a wire might shift, poking the back of the mouth or cheek. Try to push the wire into a comfortable position using a Q-tip or the eraser end of a pencil.

If that doesn't work, cover it with dental wax to reduce irritation, and contact our Mt. Pleasant office for assistance.

If a wire comes loose, you can use tweezers to carefully place it back into position. If this isn't possible or it causes discomfort, clip the wire with sterilized nail clippers behind the last tooth to which the wire is securely fastened.

Then make sure to arrange an appointment with Dr. Tim for a proper fix.

Should an appliance—like a palate expander—become loose, apply dental wax to any sharp edges and schedule a visit to Pierce Orthodontics to have it adjusted and secured.