A poking wire or loose bracket is uncomfortable, but it is rarely an emergency. Here is what to do first — and when to call us.
Most orthodontic problems can wait until normal business hours. If a wire is poking your cheek, tuck it down with the eraser end of a pencil and cover it with orthodontic wax. If a bracket comes loose but is still on the wire, leave it in place, cover it with wax, and call us. If a bracket comes off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment. Lost separators, a broken retainer, or general soreness after an adjustment are all handled at a regular visit. Call us right away for facial trauma, a knocked-out tooth, swelling, or pain you cannot control — those need to be seen the same day.
A small piece of orthodontic wax solves the majority of after-hours braces problems.
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Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and lots of other problems. With early interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Early interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health. In some cases, they may not even need braces (phase 2 orthodontics) to straighten their teeth.
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent all of these problems and more.
If something breaks, comes loose, or hurts, call us at (760) 599-KIDS. Most orthodontic problems are uncomfortable rather than urgent, and we can often talk you through a fix over the phone and decide together whether you need to be seen right away.
A poking wire can usually be tucked down with a pencil eraser or covered with orthodontic wax. A loose bracket that's still attached to the wire can typically wait. Warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain relief help with general soreness after an adjustment.
When you come in, we'll repair or replace what's broken and make sure treatment stays on schedule. Bring any pieces that came off if you still have them — and let us know if the same thing keeps happening, because that usually means something in the plan needs adjusting.
True emergencies are rare. Severe pain, a serious injury to the mouth or face, or an appliance that's badly broken or swallowed all warrant an immediate call. A poking wire, a loose bracket, or general soreness is uncomfortable but usually manageable at home until we can see you.
Try tucking it down gently with the eraser end of a pencil, then cover it with orthodontic wax. If it's still irritating your cheek or you can't move it, call us at (760) 599-KIDS and we'll get you in to trim or reposition it.
Usually not immediately. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it alone, cover any sharp edge with wax, and call us so we can schedule a repair. If it came off completely, save it and bring it with you.
Yes. Tenderness for two to three days after braces are placed or adjusted means your teeth are moving. Soft foods, warm salt-water rinses, and over-the-counter pain relief help. Pain that's severe or getting worse instead of better is worth a phone call.
Call our office and follow the instructions on our message. For a knocked-out tooth, a serious facial injury, or uncontrolled bleeding, go straight to the nearest emergency room — those need medical attention first, and we'll handle the orthodontic side afterward.
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