General soreness

After getting your braces, it’s normal to experience some soreness in your mouth and sensitivity when biting for about three to five days. Stick to soft foods during this time until chewing becomes more comfortable. To relieve irritated gums or sore spots, you can use Peroxyl mouth rinse 3-5 times per day (available over the counter). If the soreness bothers you, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®). For intense soreness (surgically impacted teeth), you can alternate Tylenol® with Advil® every four hours.

Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated for a week or two as they adjust to the braces. Applying orthodontic wax to the brackets can help ease this discomfort.

Wire Discomfort/Irritation

If a pokey wire is irritating you or poking your cheeks, please apply a long strip of wax over the brackets. Be sure to include more than one bracket near the area where you’re having discomfort and completely encase the pokey wire. Please call or text the office as soon as possible and we will schedule an appointment to make you comfortable

If you experience any gum/cheek irritation, try rinsing with Colgate Peroxyl. This can be found over the counter at local grocery or drugstores.

Loose/broken bracket

If the bracket is still attached to the wire, put a long strip of wax over the loose bracket.

If the bracket has fallen off, save it to bring to your next appointment.

Please call or message us to let us know about the broken bracket so that we can extend your appointment time, or to schedule a separate repair.

Trauma/Emergencies

*** Please go to your nearest ER Hospital or your general dentist if available. If your treating physician or general dentist needs to contact Dr. Chong, he can be paged at 510-404-8982.