Braces can completely transform your smile, but it’s normal to run into a few minor issues along the way. You might notice a bracket that irritates your cheek, or perhaps a wire that shifts slightly after eating.
Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny want you to feel confident handling these small concerns wherever you are, at home, in class, or at work. The team at Sawgrass Orthodontics can show you simple ways to soothe sore spots, cover sharp edges, and manage a loose wire until your next visit.
First, What Counts As An “Emergency”?
Most problems during braces are uncomfortable, not dangerous. A true emergency is rare and involves risk to your health or teeth. Seek immediate medical or emergency dental care if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that does not slow with gentle pressure
- A knocked-out or visibly fractured tooth with sharp, mobile pieces
- Facial swelling that spreads, fever, or signs of infection
- A suspected broken jaw
- Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief after a few hours
- A bracket, wire, or other piece that was swallowed or inhaled, and you are coughing, choking, or short of breath
Issues that are urgent but not emergencies include a loose bracket, a poking wire, a lost separator, a broken elastic chain, or general soreness. Make yourself comfortable at home with wax, a warm salt water rinse, and soft foods, then call our Sunrise or Weston office to schedule a short repair visit. If you are unsure which category your situation fits, call us first. If breathing is affected or you feel unsafe, go to the nearest emergency facility.
At-Home Quick Fixes With What You Already Have
Here are quick fixes you can do with items you already have at home. These steps reduce irritation, keep braces working, and buy you time until we see you.
1. A Spot Is Rubbing Your Cheek Or Lip
Dry the area with a tissue or cotton swab. Roll a pea-sized ball of orthodontic wax between your fingers until soft, then press it over the bracket or hook. Wax is your friend. Replace it as needed and remove it before brushing.
2. Food Is Wedged Around A Bracket
Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to slide floss under the wire, then hug each tooth in a “C” shape. Rinse with water afterward. If you have an interproximal brush, sweep gently between brackets.
3. General Soreness After An Adjustment
Mix one teaspoon of salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit. Repeat morning and evening for a day or two. Soft, cool foods help as well. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used as directed.
At School Or Work, Certain Fast Moves Can Keep You Comfortable
When a bracket acts up between classes or a meeting, simple steps can keep you comfortable and on track. Use these quick fixes, then call our Sunrise or Weston office if anything feels uncertain.
4. A Ligature Tie Or Power Chain Looks Loose
Do not tug on it. Skip sticky or chewy foods until we see you. Call for a quick repair visit. Most fixes take only a few minutes.
5. A Wire Shifted After Lunch
Wash your hands. If the wire slipped out of the back tube, try to guide it back in with clean tweezers. If it will not stay, dab wax over the end until we can secure it. Avoid biting into anything firm on that side.
6. A Tender Ulcer Is Forming Midday
Dry the rubbing spot and cover it with wax. Rinse with warm salt water when you get home. Many people also like a dab of topical oral gel for temporary relief.
Sports And Activities Keep Braces Safe While You Play
Quick and clean habits keep braces safe when you’re moving fast. Think protection first, check fit before every practice, and pack wax in your sports bag so small rubs don’t turn into bigger problems.
7. Mouthguard Matters For Practices And Games
Wear a mouthguard for any contact sport or fast-movement activity. A well-fitted guard can stay put with braces. If your athlete plays near Markham Park, stop in for a quick fit check before the weekend. Rinse the guard after use, let it air dry, and store it in a vented case.
8. A Bracket Loosened After Contact
Cover any sharp edge with wax and avoid biting on that tooth. Keep the mouthguard clean so debris doesn’t rub the area. Call the office to re-bond the bracket so treatment stays on track.
Travel Days Away From Home And Something Pops Up
Travel plans should not stall your treatment. Use these simple steps to stay comfortable until we can see you. Then, call our Sunrise or Weston office so we can advise you based on your next appointment date and location.
9) A Separator Fell Out On Your Trip
Give us a quick call. Tell us your next appointment date. We will let you know if it needs replacement before you return or if it can wait.
10) A Wire End Is Poking And You Have No Cutters
Start with wax to smooth it. If you still cannot get comfortable and you are a long drive from either office, you may carefully clip the tiniest bit with clean, disinfected nail clippers as a last resort. Angle away from the cheek and hold a tissue near the end to catch the clipped piece. Then call us so we can finish the repair.
Cleaning Routines That Prevent 90 Percent Of Problems
- Brush for two minutes, twice daily. Angle the bristles to clean above and below the wire.
- Floss once daily with a threader or water flosser.
- Use an interproximal brush to sweep around brackets after meals.
- Finish with a quick mirror check. Look along the gumline and around each bracket.
- For aligner wearers, brush and rinse before trays go back in. Keep aligners clean with clear, gentle soap. Do not use hot water.
Contact Us So You Can Feel Better
Cover the spot with wax, then call Sawgrass Orthodontics in Sunrise or Weston. Tell us what happened and your next appointment date. We will find the earliest short repair slot and confirm exactly what to bring. If your athlete has a game this weekend, ask for a mouthguard fit check during the same visit with Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny.
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