Ortho First Aid

If a wire causes irritation – “poky”
If the wire has come out of the brace or tube
If a bracket or band becomes loose
If an appliance comes loose
If your teeth become sore after a visit
If the braces are causing irritation to your cheeks or lips
Trauma to the mouth


If a wire causes irritation – “poky”
Push the wire in using an eraser end or a cotton swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover with a piece of wax or sugarless gum until we can see you.

If the wire has come out of the brace or tube
Try to put the wire back into place with a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. If you cannot do this, cut the wire wherever you can reach it with a small wire cutter or nail clipper. Remove the cut piece of wire and place wax as needed. Call the office so we can see you when convenient.

If a bracket or band becomes loose
A loose band or bracket usually stays connected to the wire. Use wax to hold in place if it flips around. Call the office at your earliest convenience to schedule a separate repair appointment.
If the loose band or bracket is the last one in the back, slip it off the wire, save it in a safe place and cut the wire as described above. Call the office for a repair appointment and be sure to bring the band or bracket with you.

If an appliance comes loose
Call the office for a repair appointment.

If your teeth become sore after a visit
Take Tylenol or Advil as directed. Rinsing with warm salt water is also soothing.

If the braces are causing irritation to your cheeks or lips
Place as much wax as needed to cover the offending brackets. Use warm salt water rinses. Hints for wax usage (from Dr. Thodas’s personal experience): Roll the wax between your fingers to warm it up. This makes it easier to place. Make sure you use a big enough piece or it will not stay. I used a whole strip across my lower front teeth for the first few nights.

Trauma to the mouth
Call the office immediately.