Many problems with your braces can be temporarily remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, please call us so we schedule a repair appointment. In the event of an emergency or mouth trauma, seek immediate medical attention.

Wire irritation
If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of orthodontic wax and call us to schedule an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the brace on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a nail clipper that has been washed and sterilized with alcohol.

Loose brackets
If a brace comes loose from a tooth, it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition the bracket. Call our office at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose brace(s).

Loose / cracked appliance or retainer
If your appliance is poking you, place wax over the offending part of your appliance and call our office to schedule an adjustment. If a retainer cracks, remove the retainer from your mouth and call our office for a repair appointment. Save all the pieces and bring them with you to your appointment.

Spacer or separator falls out
If a spacer or separator falls out, you can try to replace it yourself by threading a couple pieces of floss through it and then pulling it under and up between the teeth. Then remove the floss.

Broken braces / appliances
If you experience any breakage, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit. Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. If you experience difficulty breathing or any other symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Headgear discomfort
Headgear discomfort is sometimes caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed. Please refer to your treatment instructions. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Headgear may cause less discomfort as it's worn more, be sure you're wearing it for the prescribed number of hours per day.