Emergency Care

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, the team at Dr. Andy Bennion Orthodontics is always available to assist you. If you experience a broken appliance or severe discomfort, please contact our office as soon as possible. We will make every effort to accommodate you promptly to address your concern.

Fortunately, many minor orthodontic issues can be managed at home temporarily until you can be seen in our office. Please refer to the guidelines we have provided to help alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing. It is essential to note that even if you are able to relieve the pain caused by a broken appliance, a repair appointment is still necessary. Protracted use of a damaged appliance can impede your orthodontic progress and potentially extend your overall treatment duration.

Your comfort and the success of your treatment are our priority. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.

General Soreness

Right after you get your braces, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will likely feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may gargle lukewarm salt water, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. You can also take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin, over-the-counter pain relievers. A warm washcloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Wire Irritations

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Loose Brackets or Bands

If the bracket pops off the tooth but is still on the archwire or if the band is loose but still attached to the archwire, put wax on it. If the archwire comes out, keep the bracket and call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

Lost Separators

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Once enough space has been created between the two teeth, it is possible for the separator to fall out on its own.