Orthodontic Emergencies

If you experience severe pain or a problem with your orthodontic equipment that cannot be fixed at home, you will need to contact your orthodontist immediately to get it resolved. Leaving your tooth in pain or your equipment damaged for a long period of time will ultimately set back your treatment plan. Thankfully, you can temporarily resolve most orthodontic emergencies yourself, at home.

General Soreness

After your braces are adhered to your teeth, you may experience some soreness associated with them, such as tenderness during biting pressure. Your orthodontist will recommend eating a soft diet for several days following the appointment. If you’re following this diet and still feel general soreness in your teeth or gums, it can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. You can also take over the counter medications such as Tylenol. It is not recommended to take NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as these medications actually slow down the movement of your teeth, which of course interferes with your orthodontic treatment.

If you find that your lips, cheeks, or tongue become irritated as they adjust to your new braces; you can put dental wax on the braces to lessen irritation.

Headgear

If you have been prescribed headgear by your orthodontist, you must wear it exactly as instructed. Discomfort can be caused by not wearing your headgear regularly. Typically, the headgear hurts less the more it is worn. Also, if you find that something is damaged or bent on your equipment, you will need to contact your orthodontist for it to be repaired.

Loose Appliance

If part of your braces or headgear is loose and poking you, place wax on the offending part until you can see your orthodontist.

Loose Bracket

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if you need some comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next orthodontist appointment.

Loose Wire

Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place. To do this, tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp, place wax on it.

Poking Wire

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking you.

If you are hesitant to perform any of these quick fixes at home, there’s nothing wrong with just leaving it alone and coming in for an appointment. We’re here to make your orthodontic experience as comfortable as possible.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The staff are always so accommodating and friendly, no waiting and very good and thorough dental work"
    Sherri W.
  • "I rated 10 on the question about referring a friend because I have done so. She went yesterday and I asked her about the experience and she was very pleased. No surprise here!! I have always felt that the people who help me, including Dr. Alpert, treat me and my dental health at a level of attention far above that required to simply do a job. They show a genuine concern about my welfare; I need their help; I am glad they are there. As Dr. Alpert said on my last visit about a potential issue, they will “keep an eye on it” for me. I find that vigilance genuinely re-assuring. Over the years I have have come to appreciate that re-assurance as a form of good medicine."
    Robert W.
  • "Very friendly staff! Dr. Alpert is a very good Dentist. I have been very happy with the quality work he has done on my teeth. I highly recommend him!"
    Martha L.
  • "I had a very good experience there, everyone was very friendly professional and good at what they do. I had a cleaning which was virtually pain free and 2 fillings done in one visit.
    I will be going back to this dentist and would recommend to anyone that I know."
    Harold H.
  • "I have been going to the Dental Care of Waterford for over 50 years. The receptionist(s) are eager to make you feel welcome and relaxed. Becky, the hygienist is caring and efficient.
    Dr. Lloyd Alpert does a thorough exam and addresses any concerns and asks if there is still problems.
    The staff is quick to respond to any concerns their patients have.
    I would highly recommend Dental Care of Waterford, MI."
    Barbara R.
  • "haven't had the ability to see a dentist in over 3 years due to Covid and loss of insurance. Now that i was able to seek dental care i was able to schedule an appointment within 3 days of calling to have a cracked filling taken care of... Staff is amazingly friendly and considerate of any needs and even asked if I had insurance just to make sure I could have X-rays done and not have to pay for my visit with one of my kidneys. Dr. Alpert is wonderful! Explained everything that he was about to do and how it might feel. completely painless and fast visit for a filling nonetheless. I definitely have found my new dental office and can actually say I look forward to my cleaning!"
    Kelly S.
  • "This was my first visit to Dr. Alpert's office. I was referred by a friend. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. I had the most thorough cleaning I think I've ever had. Everyone put you completely at ease. I highly recommend this dentist."
    Karen M.
  • "Ever been in a situation where you have a dental emergency and call about 20 dentist offices trying to get in? I have and Dr. Alpert's office was the only office to get me in within 24 hours. They were able to help me with my shattered tooth problem totally painlessly. Anytime I've been in for a cleaning, the wait has been minimal. The staff is friendly and professional. I'm in and out in no time. I would highly recommend Dr. Alpert to anyone in the area for last-minute needs and cleanings. His offer is a little hard to spot but it is right off M59 and there is ample parking"
    Alexandrea L.