There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call our orthodontist in Creve Coeur as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment.
If your teeth are sore after a visit you may take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. The frequency and duration of post-visit discomfort will diminish as the treatment progresses.
If your braces cause irritation, try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire becomes loose from your braces or any other area is sharp, try covering the end with a small coat of wax (available from the office). If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.
If the main wire or a bracket comes loose call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you find that you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office on the next business day to schedule an appointment.
If a separator comes out call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Some patients may lose a separator prior to treatment, which is common.