Home Remedies for Discomfort

Although orthodontic emergencies are rare, minor issues can sometimes occur. In the event you have an issue that requires immediate attention, call us at 323-726-8300 or text us 7 days a week at 323-427-1633 and our trusted team will help you schedule a comfort appointment.

There are often steps you can take at home to reduce your discomfort and avoid having to schedule an appointment at our office. Our experts suggest some Hyman Orthodontics home remedies below:

Poking Wire

In the event you have a braces wire that’s poking the inside of your mouth, try to gently push the wire out of your way. You can also place a tiny amount of clean orthodontic wax on the wire to help prevent it from poking you.

Loose Wires

If a wire becomes loose on your braces, it’s okay to fix it on your own until you can schedule a time to come in. If you have dental floss handy, you can use it to tie the wire back into place so that it stops moving around. Try to position the floss around the bracket where the o-ring should have been and tie it securely so that the wire doesn’t move anymore.

If you have a pair of clean tweezers, you can try to gently pull the wire back to where it should be. You can also try covering the wire with some wax to gain comfort. If you’re unable to see us right away and the wire is still irritating you, then you can use a clean fingernail clipper to cut the wire at the point where it is no longer secured.

Loose Bracket

Sometimes a bracket or band becomes loose on your braces. If it’s still connected to the wire, simply apply a small amount of clean orthodontic wax on the end of it to keep it from irritating you. If the bracket or band is so loose that you are afraid it might come off, you should remove it carefully. Then, you can place it in a small envelope or sandwich baggie for safekeeping until you come in.

General Soreness

If you’re experiencing general soreness, then you may want to try eating only soft foods until your teeth and gums feel better. Sometimes, using a salt-water rinse (one part salt to eight parts warm water) can help to alleviate the discomfort you may feel.

If you are uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever containing acetaminophen. Make sure that you get your parent’s permission if you are a child. You shouldn’t take anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium, as those pain relievers will slow the process of moving your teeth into their intended position.

Schedule Your FREE Smile Assessment Today!

When you are ready to learn more about Hyman Orthodontics, click here or call 323.726.8300 to request your complimentary, no-obligation Hyman Orthodontics Smile Assessment. We offer early morning and Saturday appointments for your convenience!

During your free new patient appointment, our experienced doctors and team will take the time to answer all your questions about our orthodontic treatments, our office, and anything else you may want to know about us!

Text Us 7 Days a Week at 323.427.1633

Come experience our award-winning Montebello orthodontic office. You will quickly discover that we offer state-of-the-art treatment to all our patients – and we do it with a smile. We look forward to making you the next member of our Hyman Orthodontics family!

As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Montebello, CA, our team at Hyman Orthodontics also provides award-winning orthodontic services to patients from Pico Rivera, Whittier, East LA, Monterey Park, Alhambra & Commerce, CA.