Emergency Dental Care Near Me

If you’re experiencing pain, call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas would be more than happy to find a solution.

In the meantime, here’s what you can do to relieve your symptoms at home until you’re able to see one of our orthodontists.

General Soreness

It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little sore as you get used to wearing dental braces or clear aligners. While your teeth adjust, we recommend eating soft foods and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may also mix 1 tsp salt with 8 oz warm water to create a saltwater mouth rinse.

If a bracket is irritating the inside of your cheek, try placing orthodontic wax over the bracket and replace the wax as needed.

Loose Bracket

Is the bracket or band still attached to the wire? If so, leave everything in place and apply wax over the loose bracket if you’re experiencing any discomfort. If the bracket and band come off, place them in an envelope and take them with you to your next appointment with us.

Poking Wire

Use a pencil eraser to push the wire down. You may also push a pea-sized ball of orthodontic wax over the wire so it doesn’t irritate the inside of your cheek. Be sure to dry the wire and bracket so the wax has a better chance of sticking and staying in place.

Loose Wire

In most cases, you should be able to fix the loose wire at home until you’re able to see one of our orthodontists during your next appointment. There are three main methods for fixing a loose wire.

Method #1: Gently Push the Wire Back in Place

If this method doesn’t work or you’re still feeling discomfort, move onto the second method.

  1. Make sure the bracket is still attached to the tooth. If the bracket is missing, call Parrish Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.
  2. If the wire comes out of the bracket, gently slide it back in place. You may need someone to help with this.
  3. Gently push the wire back in place using a pencil eraser, cotton swab, or other small dull object. Make sure that whatever object you use is clean before putting it in your mouth.

Method #2: Use Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax is safe and non-toxic, which means you don’t need to worry if you accidentally swallow it. You can get wax from one of our orthodontists or your local drug store.

  1. Roll a small ball of dental wax about the size of a pea.
  2. Use a paper towel to dry the wire and bracket.
  3. Gently push the ball of wax over the wire and bracket.
  4. Replace the wax as needed.

Method #3: Trim the Wire

Only use this method as a last resort. Distal end wire cutters work best for this method, but you may also use nail clippers. If you don’t feel comfortable with trimming the wire, please call Parrish Orthodontics and we can do it for you.

  1. Sterilize the wire cutters or nail clippers with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Let the wire cutters or nail clippers dry before putting them in your mouth.
  3. Hold onto the wire you want to cut so it doesn’t fly and go down your throat.
  4. Clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. Ask someone to do this for you if you don’t think you can do it safely on your own.