ORTHODONTIC TIPS

What To Do When Something Doesn’t Feel Right

Dr. Lindsay grosso provides emergency orthodontic care for a patient at grosso orthodontics in summerville, moncks corner, and georgetown, sc.

Most orthodontic issues are not emergencies, but they can still be uncomfortable or leave you wondering what to do next. These orthodontic tips can help you know how to respond when a loose bracket, poking wire or appliance that feels different catches you off guard. Some concerns can be handled with simple at-home care, and others may call for a comfort visit. When you’re unsure, reach out to Grosso Orthodontics for guidance.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Some situations require more than a comfort visit to Grosso Orthodontics. Dental trauma or severe pain accompanied by swelling requires immediate medical attention. If you experience a significant injury to your teeth, mouth or jaw, seek appropriate medical care right away.

If you’re unsure whether an issue is serious, contact our team. We can help you determine whether you need immediate care or a comfort visit.

Common Orthodontic Issues And What To Do

These orthodontic tips cover common concerns that can happen during treatment. You can manage many minor orthodontic issues at home until you connect with our team.

Loose
Bracket

If a bracket comes loose but remains attached to the wire, avoid touching or playing with it. If it causes irritation, orthodontic wax can help protect your cheek or lip. Send us a message through Dental Monitoring so we can determine whether you need a repair or can safely wait until your next appointment.

Poking
Wire

A wire that pokes your cheek, lip or tongue can be uncomfortable. If you have orthodontic wax, place a small amount over the end to create a protective barrier. Avoid cutting or bending the wire unless our team instructs you to do so.

Send us a photo or scan so we can evaluate the area. These orthodontic tips can help keep you comfortable while you wait.

Clear Aligner Attachment Came Off

If a clear aligner attachment comes off, don’t panic. Send us a message through Dental Monitoring so we can review the area after your next scheduled scan and determine if or when it needs to be replaced.

Continue following your normal aligner instructions unless our team tells you otherwise.

Your Aligner Feels Different

If your aligner suddenly feels different or doesn’t fit normally, let us know. You can send us a scan or photo so our team can evaluate the fit and determine the next step.

Rubber Band Button Came Off

If a rubber band button comes off, let our team know. We can evaluate the situation and schedule a repair if needed. In the meantime, follow any instructions previously provided by our team.

Broken
Bracket

No pain? No problem! Let us know so we can note it and repair it at your scheduled visit. If it’s irritating your cheek or lip, covering it with orthodontic wax can help.

Color Tie
Came Off

Usually, this is not a concern. We will replace your ties at your next regular visit. If anything is irritating the inside of your mouth, we encourage you to cover it in orthodontic wax. 

Something Else Doesn’t Feel Right?

Not every orthodontic issue fits neatly into a list. If something feels different, uncomfortable or concerning, send us a photo or scan, and we’ll help you determine what to do.

If you’re experiencing pain or significant discomfort, please contact us. We can help determine whether you need a comfort visit or if you can safely wait until your next appointment. Keep these orthodontic tips in mind, but remember that personalized guidance is available.

How Grosso Orthodontics Can Help

At Grosso Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should feel comfortable, supportive and convenient. Our team uses Dental Monitoring to help monitor treatment between visits. These orthodontic tips can help you feel prepared, but you never have to figure out a concern on your own. If you need a comfort visit, we’ll help you get the care you need.

Orthodontic Tips FAQs

Have a question about something that happened during your orthodontic treatment? These orthodontic tips answer common questions, but every situation is different. If you’re still unsure, reach out to our team.

When should I contact my orthodontist about a problem?

Contact Dr. Grosso whenever something feels unusual, uncomfortable or concerning. Minor issues can often wait for guidance, while severe pain with swelling or significant dental trauma requires immediate medical attention.

In many cases, yes. You can send a scan or photo so our team can evaluate the area and determine whether you need a comfort visit or can wait until your next appointment.

Don’t guess! Contact our team and explain what happened. If possible, send a photo or scan. We can help determine whether the issue can be managed at home or needs a comfort visit. These orthodontic tips can give you a starting point.

Not necessarily. A change in how your braces or aligner feels does not always mean something is wrong. Send a photo or scan so we can evaluate the area and determine whether you need to come in.

Follow Dr. Grosso’s instructions, review these helpful orthodontic tips, maintain good oral hygiene and care for your braces, aligners or other appliances. Avoid habits and foods that can damage your appliance, and let our team know when something feels wrong.

Need Help? Message Us Through DentalMonitoring!

If something doesn’t feel right, Grosso Orthodontics is here to help! If you use Grosso On The GO Virtual Monitoring, the quickest way to get assistance is to message Brooke directly through the DentalMonitoring app. She can answer your questions and may request a new photo or scan to walk you through how to resolve the issue.

Need to download the DentalMonitoring app?

Not using DentalMonitoring? Simply text our team a photo of the area, along with the patient’s name and email, so we can evaluate your concern and determine whether you need a comfort visit or if it can wait until your next appointment.

Save these orthodontic tips for when you need a little reassurance, and remember that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team is here to guide you through treatment. Contact us today!

CUTTING-EDGE ORTHODONTIC CARE WITH GROSSO ORTHODONTICS

We can’t wait to meet you—so let’s get started with Invisalign®! We take pride in creating healthy smiles for everyone. No matter your age, if you’re ready to start your smile transformation, we have you covered!