Orthodontic Emergencies

At Huls Orthodontics, we believe there are very few true orthodontic emergencies. However, if you are ever having pain or difficulty with your braces, always use our team as a resource. We are conveniently located in Monticello and Champaign, so please, never hesitate to drop in if you are experiencing a problem with your braces. Our friendly staff and orthodontist are here to help! If a situation becomes more severe and you are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We want to ensure your orthodontic treatment is going as planned and alleviate any pain you are having.

Most Common Orthodontic Problems

Surprisingly, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. Please know that even if you alleviate the pain caused by your broken appliance, you will still need a repair appointment.

• Lost Separator: Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

• Sore Teeth & Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment: Right after you get your braces, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. You can also gargle lukewarm salt water, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.

• Wire Irritations: Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

• Loose Bracket: First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

• Loose Wire: Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.

If you are experiencing any of these situations, take the correct precautions and then call our office to set your next appointment to see the orthodontist. We want to ensure all of your orthodontic appliances are in good condition and functioning well.

Call Huls Orthodontics For Your Next Appointment!

Whether you are experiencing an orthodontic issue with your braces or you would like to schedule your next check-up, never hesitate to call or stop by our offices in Monticello and Champaign. Our orthodontist and staff want you to feel as comfortable as possible throughout your orthodontic treatment, even when small problems arise. To schedule your next appointment, contact us today! We look forward to seeing you again!

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