• If a wire is poking you, first try to bend it with a spoon or a pencil eraser. If you are unsuccessful, place a small piece of wax or wet cotton over it until you can get in for an appointment.
• If a bracket or band is loose and still attached to the archwire, leave it in place. If it becomes uncomfortable, cover with wax and call for an appointment. If it comes completely out, bring it with you to your next appointment. Do not attempt to connect headgear or elastics to a loose band.
• If the arch wire comes out of a tube, try to place the wire back into the tube with tweezers. Place wax if uncomfortable and call for an appointment.
• If your teeth are sore after an orthodontic visit, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as normally recommended. Another tip is to rinse you mouth with really warm water with a little bit of salt dissolved in it. This helps sooth the gums much like a hot-water bottle will do for sore muscles! Plan soft foods for meals until the discomfort goes away -- which is usually 48 hours. If the discomfort gets progressively worse or remains the same after 4 days, call us!
• If a part of your braces breaks, save the piece and call to set up a repair visit. If a retainer breaks, do not try to repair it yourself. Call to have us repair it.
• If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth while you have braces on, don't panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
• If a rubber spacer falls out, you can try to replace it your self by threading a couple pieces of floss through it and then pulling it under and up between the teeth. Then remove the floss.
• If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that usually means there is a local area of infection. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing, flossing and rinsing with Listerine. If a particular area is painful or you notice a bump of any sort, you should address this to Dr. Garrett as soon as possible.

EZO Denture Cushions

Remove 1 EZO Cushions from the box. Depending on the size of the area cut a piece the size of a dime. Place the dime size EZO denture cushions under warm water to soften. Dry the area you are covering and place the cushions. Squeeze the pad until it adheres.

Where can you buy EZO Denture Cushions?

Winchester Area

Rite Aid
507 Amherst Street
540-662-2573

Wal-Mart
2300 South Pleasant Valley (Special Order)
540-667-2812

CVS
2207 Valley Avenue
540-667-0330

1725 Amherst Street
540-723-6121

Front Royal Area

Lester’s
413 South Street
540-662-2307

CVS Pharmacy
352 Remount Road
540-635-1601

Rite Aid Pharmacy
210 Commerce Avenue
540-631-0343

Stephens City Area

Lantz’s Pharamcy
5015 Main Street
540-869-5375

Gishy Goo

New way for patients to get comfortable with their braces.

1. Bracket- The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded to the band.
2. Archwire- A large removable wire that fits around the arch into the bracket slots.
3. Elastic Ligature- Plastic ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.
4. Ligature Wire- Tiny wire that ties the archwire into the bracket.
5. Hooks- Used to attach elastics (rubber bands).
6. Band- A ring of metal with the bracket attached. It is glued onto the tooth.

If something is loose or broken, please call us at 540-667-5446, during office hours. It’s best not to wait until your next appointment. Place any piece that comes off in an envelope and bring it with you.

Use the diagram to tell us what is loose or broken.

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies [pdf]

If you are experiencing extreme discomfort, we are available when you need us.