Emergency Care
Caledonia Orthodontic Care
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel some discomfort for the first few days as your lips, tongue, and cheeks get used to the brackets and wires that are attached to your teeth. Stick to a soft diet for a few days, and you can also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. If the discomfort is severe try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put an OrthoDot® on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Poking Wire
If you have a poking wire, it is not an emergency… even though it can be uncomfortable! There are a few options you can try at home to take care of this. We will give you OrthoDots when you get your braces on and will also show you how to use them. You can try to apply an OrthoDot to the wire, or use a pencil eraser and push the poking wire down.
How to cut poking wire with Nail Clippers
How to cut poking wire with Wire Cutters
How to push down wire with Pencil Eraser
Loose Bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.
Rough Edges on Retainer
If you have a rough edge that forms on your clear retainer please review the video below on how to fix at home or schedule and bring it to your next appointment.
How to file clear retainer edge with Nail File
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics is your local Caledonia, MI orthodontist, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you might have about our technology or methods. To schedule your first orthodontist appointment with us, call (616) 891-7272 today!