Something Loose, Broken or Poking
If your appliances are lost, loose, broken or poking, please call our office at (619) 225-1611 or text (858) 525-1611. If it is after hours, we will contact you the next business day as most issues (bracket off, broken retainer, elastic tie off) can wait until then. In the meantime, please see the home remedy suggestions below. If you are experiencing pain or a true emergency outside our regular business hours, please see instructions below on how to reach us right away.
Emergency
If you experience a true orthodontic emergency or are in severe discomfort, we are always available. If it is after hours and requires immediate attention, please call our emergency line (619) 888-6573 and a staff member will assist you. If you need to speak to the doctor, you can call Dr. Upatham at (619) 886-8083.
Common Non-Emergency Problems & Home Remedies
Discomfort or soreness
Non-prescription pain relievers can help with the temporary discomfort that may occur for the first few days after an orthodontic adjustment. A diet consisting of soft foods can also help.
Elastic color tie or thread is off
If this happens, it would not be considered an emergency unless the wire is causing severe discomfort. Simply call or text our office to let us know.
Metal tie is pokey or off
If a metal tie becomes pokey, you may be able to push it under the wire, away from the gums with a clean pencil eraser. You may also try covering it with orthodontic wax. If it pops out again or continues to bother you, please call or text our office.
Irritated cheek tissue
Orthodontic wax can be placed over brackets or wires that may be irritating the cheeks/lip. We provide wax at the start of treatment for patients wearing braces and it can be purchased at most drug stores.
Wire out of place
If the wire is dislodged, place wax over the end of the wire and call or text our office to set up a time to have the wire adjusted and put back into place.
Mouth sores
Rinsing with warm salt-water several times a day can help to heal sores in the mouth.
