If you don't believe you need immediate care at an emergency room or orthodontic office, follow these tips and tricks for solving minor issues:

• General soreness: Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash or dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse vigorously to help relieve pain or irritation after getting braces or a device adjustment.
• Headgear discomfort: Refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist for wearing your headgear during prescribed hours and contact us for an appointment if the facebow bends.
• Loose appliance: Use dental wax to hold the device in place or place it in a Ziploc bag to bring to an appointment if it comes off.
• Unsecured bracket: Put wax on your band or bracket to keep it in place, or wrap it in tissue and schedule an appointment with us if it comes out.
• Detached wire: Use tweezers to put your wire back in place, clip the wire where it's securely fastened behind the last tooth and apply wax.
• Sore teeth: Eat soft foods, use saltwater rinses and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
• Poking wire: Place dental wax on the places of your appliance that are irritating the soft tissues in your mouth.

If these situations persist or worsen, make an appointment with us.