At Ashley Orthodontics, we are here when you need us. If you are experiencing an issue with your appliance, such as a loose bracket, loose wire, loose band or poking wire, give us a call at (540) 885-6815. We will do our very best to schedule an emergency orthodontic care appointment the same day or the next day to fix your loose or broken appliance and get you back on track to your great new smile. We promise our patients the highest standard of care and if you are in pain or bothered by your appliance – no issue is too small to call!
COMMON ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS
MOUTH SORES
It is not uncommon for patients to develop mouth sores during orthodontic treatment especially if you are still getting used to your braces. Irritation from brackets, wires and bands can cause mouth sores, or ulcers and this is not an emergency, although we understand it can be quite uncomfortable. Dr. Ashley recommends applying a small amount of topical anesthetic that you can find over-the-counter such as Ora-Gel or Orabase. You can apply this medicine directly to the sore using a cotton Q-tip and you can reapply as directed by the instructions on the back.
IRRITATION OF LIPS OR CHEEKS
As you are just getting used to braces, new brackets can often be irritating to the inner cheeks and mouth. If this happens, Ashley Orthodontics recommends applying wax on the brackets to decrease the irritation and offer a buffer between the metal and the mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball of wax between your fingers and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. You can resume eating more comfortably and the wax is harmless if accidentally swallowed.
PROTRUDING WIRE
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Ashley Orthodontics recommends using a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, you may cover it with wax until we can trim the wire for you (see Irritation of Lips or Cheeks above for instructions on applying relief wax).
If the poking wire is extremely bothersome and we are unable to get you in promptly, you may try to clip the wire. Use a piece of gauze or folded tissue around the area to keep the child from swallowing the clipped wire.
You may use wax to ensure that the clipped wire is not irritating to the inside of the cheek.
LOOSE BRACKETS OR WIRES
Loose brackets, wires or bands are not uncommon during orthodontic treatment. Occasionally, brackets will pop off the teeth or a band may become loose. Ashley Orthodontics recommends leaving the bracket where it is and placing a piece of wax over the loose bracket to keep it from irritating the mouth. You can call the office and we will schedule an emergency orthodontic care appointment as soon as possible to fix the loose bracket.
DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Call your regular dentist if you are experiencing a dental emergency unrelated to orthodontic treatment such as:
- Severe, uncontrollable pain or discomfort
- Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face
- Injury to the mouth, lips or face
- Severe bleeding
Your general dentist is well equipped to diagnose and treat abscesses and injuries such as a chipped tooth or an avulsed tooth (knocked loose). Your orthodontic treatment plan can be modified or placed on hold temporarily until your tooth is repaired.
If you have any questions about your appliance or if part of your braces has come loose, please don’t hesitate to call Ashley Orthodontics at (540) 885-6815. We are here to keep you smiling and help in any way we can.