While it can be alarming when something goes wrong with your braces, only the most severe emergencies may require immediate attention by Dr. Kaplan. For true, major orthodontic emergencies, don’t hesitate to call 770.458.5561 right away. However, the majority of common issues are easily treated at home with a follow-up appointment at our office. Remember: We are in this together!
Quick Fixes You Can Do at Home
These issues are common and easy to manage until we see you at your next appointment.
Discomfort & Soreness: It’s normal for a patient to have tenderness for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted.
- Solution: Encourage soft foods and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like Tylenol) are also an option if there are no allergies.
Irritated Lips, Cheeks, or Mouth Sores: New braces can sometimes cause minor irritation.
- Solution: Pinch off a small piece of the relief wax we provided, roll it into a ball, and place it completely over the area of the braces causing the irritation. You can also apply a topical anesthetic (like Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the mouth sore.
Protruding or Poking Wire: Occasionally, the end of a wire will move and irritate your cheek.
- Solution: Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to gently push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If it can’t be moved, cover it with the relief wax until your appointment.
- Last Resort: In extreme cases where you can't get to us soon, you may carefully clip the wire using a pair of sharp clippers, making sure to use a folded tissue to prevent the snipped piece from being swallowed.
Food Caught Between Your Teeth: This is easily fixed!
- Solution: Use dental floss (try tying a small knot in the middle for extra leverage), an interproximal brush, or a toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
What to Do If Something Comes Loose (Brackets or Wires)
If any part of your braces comes loose or breaks, please call us to determine the appropriate next steps.
- Loose Brackets or Bands: If a bracket is knocked off, the parent or guardian should call us immediately. If the loose bracket is rotated and bothering you, you can attempt to slide it along the wire until it is between two teeth, gently rotate it back to the proper position, and slide it back to the center of the tooth.
- Missing or Broken Ligatures (Small Bands/Wires): If a rubber ligature (small band) comes off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers, or bend it back down with a Q-tip. Please call us to let us know a ligature is missing.
- Loose Teeth: It’s a normal, although disconcerting, part of your treatment to feel as though your teeth are slightly loosened. This is a sign that your braces are doing exactly what we want them to! Once they settle into their new positions, they’ll stop feeling loose.
Kaplan Orthodontics Reviews
I went in for a consultation and this is the best I've been treated at a dental office. My consultation started with a tour of the office as if they know it's important I felt comfortable overall not just with whatever treatment that was recommended. Jaylin was the person who worked with me most getting setup etc and she was lovely. Very kind and great at explaining things. When Dr. Kaplan came in to diagnose and give the treatment recommendations it was clear he truly cares about his patients, and ensuring the world of dentistry is trusted by the community. He answered all my questions without an ounce of annoyance or condemnation, he truly wanted me to understand the details, not just trying to sell me on something.I HIGHLY recommend services with this office.
Kind, courteous, knowledgeable service!
I showed up for my appointment on the wrong date and walked in to find thr entire staff in a team meeting. However, they all stopped, but they were doing greeted me with a smile and Kaplan immediately got up and said no let me take care of you right now you’re here and don’t want you to have to come back. Wow, that was so unexpected and extraordinary. What a way to go the extra mile to take care of patients - very impressed with the high level of customer service, quality and friendliness of the staff, and overall experience with Kaplan Orthodontics.
Best orthodontist, hands down! Staff is amazing as well. We are very grateful for Dr Kaplan and all the hard work that he and his staff do. They are an amazing team!
We’re extremely satisfied with Dr. Kaplan and highly recommend his practice to anyone and everyone! 2 of my sons have been in his care (one already in treatment, one still being monitored until he grows a bit more before determining the necessary treatment). Dr. Kaplan and his staff are always very patient in explaining the treatment recommendations, and takes the time to answer our questions.
754
Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
Swallowing an Appliance Piece (Rare)
This is rare, but if it happens, encourage the patient to remain calm. Non-aspirated pieces will pass through the digestive system uneventfully. If the patient is coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could have been aspirated — call us and seek medical attention immediately.
We are here to help you through any little bumps in the road.
