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
Dr. Kaplan,It has been almost three years since I started my treatment with you, and I wanted to take a moment to share what has been a very rare and meaningful doctor-patient experience for me.When I first started treatment, I had a few concerns and shared them with you. What stood out to me was how seriously you took my feedback, how carefully you considered my concerns, and how consistently you made sure they were addressed throughout the treatment.I also want to clarify that the long duration of treatment was not because of the actual treatment plan itself. Much of the delay was due to my extended travel in between. Through all of that, you and your team were extremely patient, flexible, and accommodating.Your team has been exceptional as well. Whether it was a question, a scheduling change, or even a last-minute request, they always responded positively and tried their best to accommodate me without hesitation. That level of support is truly appreciated.Dr. Kaplan, I have mentioned this during our visits, but I also wanted to put it in writing because others should know how seriously you take patient feedback. Many people and organizations say they value feedback, but you have genuinely demonstrated what it means to listen, take it seriously, and act on it.I know we still have a little more to complete, but I did not want to wait until the very end to say this.Thank you, Dr. Kaplan, and thank you to your entire team for everything you have done for me over these years. I truly appreciate it.
We’ve had an excellent experience with Kaplan Orthodontics. Dr. Kaplan is amazing, very professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. He has taken care of several of my children, each with different levels of complexity, and we have always felt confident that they were receiving excellent care.The entire team is wonderful as well, friendly, helpful, and professional. Leanne is always a pleasure to deal with and adds to the welcoming atmosphere.I highly recommend Kaplan Orthodontics to any family looking for knowledgeable, caring, and professional orthodontic care.
I honestly couldn’t be happier with my experience at Kaplan Orthodontics! From the very beginning, everyone on the staff made me feel so welcomed, comfortable, and cared for. Dr. Kaplan was absolutely amazing and always made me feel like I was in the best hands. You can really tell how much he cares about his patients and the work he does.I’m so happy with my results and truly LOVE my smile! I’m so grateful to Dr. Kaplan and his wonderful team for making this such a positive experience. I would highly recommend Kaplan Orthodontics to anyone looking for an orthodontist!
Very efficient.
Best practice in town! The clinical staff and Doctor Kaplan go above and beyond to do their job with precision while also making the experience relaxing and fun! You always leave with a smile.
762
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.
