Emergency Info
What to Do in Case of Emergency
As soon as you break or loosen any of your appliances, give us a call. This way, we can create a time to see you. If you have a regular appointment scheduled, let us know beforehand so we can be ready to repair it when you get here.
Loose Brackets & Bands
Loose brackets and bands happen. Just call our office as soon as you can, and we’ll give you advice on what to do next. Sometimes a bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible, but sometimes it’s not urgent. You may have a situation that requires you to cut a wire or slide a bracket off. If you do, use sterilized nail clippers. Then, make sure you call us the very next day so we can schedule an appointment for you.
Wire Irritations
If one of your wires is causing you discomfort, try moving the wire away with the tip of an eraser or covering the wire with a small amount of cotton or wax. If the wire is still painful, cut it with sterilized nail clippers and call our office for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Losing a separator isn’t a big deal. In fact, most of our patients lose a separator at some point during their treatment. If you do lose a separator, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort With Orthodontic Treatment
The first week after you get your braces is a learning week. You’ll have routine adjustments during this time and will most likely experience some pain, soreness, or discomfort. Just know that it’s totally normal. To help with the pain, we suggest taking acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers. In addition to pain medication, a warm washcloth or heating pad may also help reduce the soreness in your jaws. Of course, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Eating Right
Everyone knows you should eat right, but when we say that to people with braces, it means something slightly different. For someone with braces, eating right means staying away from certain foods that can be detrimental to your smile’s progress. Here’s the skinny: Braces are attached to your teeth with a strong adhesive, and that adhesive can loosen if you eat foods like gummy candies or corn chips. We know these are two tough ones to stay away from, but it’s important that you do. Think of it this way: the fewer times we have to repair your braces, the less time you have to wear them. So, eat right and avoid the foods and drinks that could cause cavities. If you’re curious if you should be eating/drinking a specific tasty treat, call us! That’s why we’re here – to help!
Pinky Promise
Rinse. Floss. Brush. Repeat. Between every meal.
Unfriendly Foods
- gum
- beef jerky
- nuts
- hard or sticky candy
- corn chips
- crisp taco shells
- whole apples
- celery
- caramel
- taffy
- popcorn
- soft drinks
- candy bars
