Are You Experiencing An Orthodontic Emergency?

At Coastline Orthodontics, you can take comfort in knowing that your orthodontic needs are our number-one priority. If something requiring immediate attention ever arises, you can be confident that our Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Macclenny orthodontists will be there for you on the same day you call!

It may surprise you to know that many orthodontic problems can be resolved at home.  Follow these guidelines to help alleviate any minor problems that you may have.  If you are unable to remedy the issue on your own, please call our office and we will schedule a time for you to come in.  Even if you are able to resolve the discomfort at home, please call our office if something is broken or if you have to clip the wire.  It may be necessary to schedule an appointment to repair what is broken prior to your regular appointment or we may need to modify your appointment to allow more time for the repair.

Sore teeth/Discomfort

It is common to have some discomfort/soreness for a few days after beginning orthodontic treatment or after an adjustment has been done.  We recommend that you take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for any soreness that you may experience.  You may want to eat softer foods for a few days while you are adjusting.  Also, a heating pad or warm washcloth may help alleviate the discomfort.

Soft Tissue Irritations

If you have a wire that is irritating, try moving the wire with an eraser or cotton swab.  If it will not move, you can try to cover the end of it with wax or a piece of cotton.  If the wire is loose, try putting it back in place with tweezers that have been sterilized with alcohol.  If these actions do not alleviate your discomfort, the wire can be clipped with nail clippers that have been sterilized with alcohol.  Trim the wire to the last secure bracket.  Some patients find it helpful to rinse with lukewarm saltwater to help with any tissue irritation that may occur as you are adapting to your orthodontic appliances.

Loose Bracket

Occasionally a bracket may become loose.  If it is not causing any discomfort, just call our office the next business day to schedule an appointment to have it repaired.  If you must trim the wire, you may use nail clippers sterilized with alcohol to clip the wire to the last secure bracket.

Lost Separator

Do not be concerned if a separator falls out.  However, please call our office the next business day to see if the separator needs to be replaced.