Helping You Stay Comfortable and Prepared
Emergency Care in Orthodontics
Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon—but if something doesn’t feel right, help is always close by. At Pinecrest Orthodontics, patients are never expected to “tough it out.” If you’re experiencing discomfort or have an issue with an appliance you can’t resolve, our team is here to help and will schedule a visit as soon as possible.
What to Do First
If a part of your appliance becomes loose or comes out completely:
- Place the piece in a small plastic bag
- Bring it with you to your next appointment
If a bracket or wire is irritating your cheek or lips:
- Apply orthodontic wax over the area to reduce friction
If an archwire has shifted:
- You may gently guide it back into place using clean tweezers or needle-nose pliers
- Always clean tools thoroughly before placing them in your mouth
Once discomfort is under control, contact our office so we can properly address the issue. Delaying repairs can affect progress and potentially extend treatment time—which we always aim to avoid.
General Soreness and Tenderness
It’s normal to experience mild soreness:
- After braces are first placed
- Following adjustment appointments
Teeth may feel tender to pressure for a few days.
During this time:
- Stick to softer foods
- Avoid hard or crunchy items
For discomfort relief:
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) may be used as directed
- Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil® or Motrin® are best avoided during orthodontic treatment, as they can
slow tooth movement
Mild irritation of the lips, cheeks, or tongue is also common during the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts.
Helpful remedies include:
- Orthodontic wax over brackets or wires
- Warm saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water)
- Topical oral gels such as Orabase®, available at most pharmacies
These symptoms typically improve as your mouth adapts.
Common Orthodontic Issues and How to Handle Them
Loose Appliance
If an appliance comes out completely:
- Place it in a small bag
- Contact the office to schedule a repair
Loose Bracket or Band
- If it comes off easily, remove it and save it
- If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and use wax if needed until we can fix it
Loose or Shifted Wire
- Gently reposition the wire using clean tweezers or pliers
- Apply wax for comfort
As a last resort only:
- If a wire is poking and cannot be repositioned, a clean nail clipper may be used to trim it behind the last tooth
Poking Wire
- Try gently pressing it down with a pencil eraser
- Use wax to prevent irritation
If discomfort persists, contact our office so we can properly correct the issue.
When to Call the Office
You should contact Pinecrest Orthodontics if:
- Pain continues despite at-home relief
- An appliance is broken or loose
- A wire or bracket is causing ongoing irritation
- Something doesn’t feel right
We’re always happy to help—and it’s always better to ask than to wait.
Here for You, Every Step of the Way
Orthodontic care is a partnership. At Pinecrest Orthodontics, patients are supported not only during routine visits, but anytime questions or concerns come up.
If you’re an existing patient experiencing an issue, give us a call so we can assist you promptly. If you’re
considering treatment and want to learn more, we’d be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation and walk you through what care looks like at our practice.
📞 Call 305-423-4130 to reach our office
📍 Proudly serving Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Kendall, and South Miami
Good vibes, great smiles—guaranteed.
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