Orthodontic Emergencies

While not a major concern, trapped food can be uncomfortable. Dental floss is your solution here. Consider tying a knot in the floss to help dislodge the stuck food, or use a toothpick or an interproximal brush to navigate between the brackets for assistance.

It's common to experience soreness or tenderness for several days after your braces are adjusted. This discomfort typically lasts between three to five days. You can ease it with saltwater rinses or numbing gels like Orajel.

If these methods don't provide relief, ibuprofen may help. For irritation on the inner cheeks and lips, dental wax is a useful remedy.

Separators, which create space for molar bands, are usually in place for 7 – 14 days before band placement.

If a separator becomes loose or dislodges, there's no immediate cause for alarm. However, it's prudent to inform Windy City Orthodontics so we can offer guidance on the next steps.

Mouth sores can occur during orthodontic treatment, although braces aren't the direct cause. Braces may exacerbate irritation. These sores can appear on your cheeks, lips, or tongue. While not an emergency, they can be uncomfortable.

Immediate relief can be obtained by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (like Orabase or Ora-Gel) using a cotton swab. Reapplication as needed is acceptable.

Brackets, the individual pieces attached to your teeth, may occasionally loosen or break. It's essential not to panic in such situations. If the bracket remains attached to the wire, leave it be and avoid fiddling with it.

Dental wax can be applied to alleviate any irritation. Schedule an appointment with Windy City Orthodontics to allow Dr. Pakravan to assess and repair it.

Sometimes, a wire may shift and poke the mouth or cheek. Gently attempt to reposition the wire using a Q-tip or the eraser end of a pencil. If this isn't successful, cover it with dental wax to minimize irritation. Contact our Chicago or Lakeview office for further assistance.

If a wire becomes loose, you can use sterilized tweezers to carefully guide it back into place. If repositioning isn't feasible or causes discomfort, safely clip the wire with sterilized nail clippers behind the last securely fastened tooth.

Subsequently, arrange an appointment with Dr. Pakravan for a proper adjustment.

In the event of a loose appliance, such as a palate expander, apply dental wax to any sharp edges. Then, schedule a visit to Windy City Orthodontics to have the appliance repositioned and secured.