If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, until you can see Dr. Homon for an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the tube or pipe on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable.

In case a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer, then slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. Once the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer will fit back properly.

If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little rubber colored ring. Call our office and inform us of your situation.

If a piece of your braces breaks, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. This will usually go into the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.

If a retainer cracks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for professional repair.

Take Tylenol or ibuprofen (unless allergic) if your teeth are sore after a visit.

Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can be soothing to irritations and sores in your mouth.

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.

If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding won't clot, call your orthodontist or primary care-family dentist.