Emergency Services in Bristow
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, we are available to you. You might be surprised to learn that you are often able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment.
After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.
General soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for next three to five days starting that evening. There is no discomfort having the brackets (braces) glued to each tooth, but we tend to hear that evening or the next morning that patients are a bit sore.
Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. An alternative (better tasting) mouthwash is the Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist. Placing Orabase on the affected area may also help relieve discomfort; Orabase can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
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Loose appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part. (We will show you how at your initial bonding appoitnment)
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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.
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Poking wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking.
*If you feel you have an emergency please text us at
703-436-0006. If your emergency involves a specific area of interest, please text a picture of that area to the same number.
