Emergency Orthodontist Lancaster Ohio

Smiling girl with braces

At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isn’t uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it’s comforting to know that true orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, we are available for you.

If you suspect an emergency, the first step is to gauge its severity: Does it require immediate attention, or is it a minor issue that you can handle on your own until you can visit our office? Here we have put together a list of common issues associated with braces, and what to do if there’s an actual emergency.

Minor Orthodontic Problems

  • Sore Teeth

    During the first few days after braces are first applied or adjusted, it’s common for teeth to feel sore. Eating soft foods, having a cold drink, or taking over-the-counter pain relief can help.

  • Mouth Sores

    Braces may rub against your lips and cheeks, causing sores. The best solution is to use a bit of orthodontic wax to cover the parts that are rubbing. It’s available at drugstores, or you can get some from us.

  • Broken or Loose Braces/Brackets

    This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy, food, or playing with the braces. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is—but don’t connect any elastics to it. You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment.

  • Poking or Loose Wire

    As the teeth start to move, the wire connecting them may begin to poke near the back of the mouth or irritate the cheeks. If a wire becomes loose, you can sometimes gently push it back into place with a Q-tip or the clean end of a pencil eraser. Poking wires can be covered with orthodontic wax, and as a last resort, wire ends can possibly be clipped with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol.

  • Loose Teeth

    It’s normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment — that shows they’re moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever.

Orthodontic Expander

How to turn an expander and what to expect:  

Use the expander key, insert until it clicks into place and push towards the back of the mouth until the next hole comes up. Best thing to do is lay really flat on the floor or a bed and have someone hold a flashlight for a better view.

While actual emergencies are rare, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. If you need additional advice, don’t hesitate to call us!