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 us as soon as possible, so we can fit you in for a repair appointment. The following may help you resolve minor problems you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment:

Have an emergency? Call or email us: 781 275-0575

Sore Teeth

If your teeth are sore after a visit, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinses may reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Wire irritation

If your braces cause irritation, 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 that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Loose Bracket

If a bracket comes loose, most of the time the bracket can be stabilized on the wire by placing some orthodontic wax over the bracket and wire. If the loose bracket is a terminal bracket (the last bracket along the wire), save the bracket and clip the loose end of the wire with nail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Contact the office to determine if the bracket needs to be rebonded before your next scheduled appointment.

Lost separator

If a separator comes out, contact our office to determine if it needs to be replaced. Some patients may lose a separator during treatment, which is common.