As we all continue to navigate the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our nation and around the world, we want you to know that WE ARE STILL HERE TO SERVE YOU AND YOUR SMILE.

Today, it is more important than ever to stay healthy. This includes having good oral health and taking good care of your braces. At our office, we aim to continue doing our part in helping to stop the spread of this virus by encouraging physical distancing and minimizing the need for people to leave the safety of their homes.

For this reason, we have included certain things you can do to handle certain orthodontic emergencies at home:

  1. If you get food trapped between your teeth or on your braces, try using dental floss, a water pick, or even a toothpick. NEVER USE TOOLS WITH SHARP, CUTTING EDGES to avoid injury to your mouth.
  2. The color ties you have on your braces are used to hold the wires onto the brackets. If one comes partially off, try to push it back on with either a Q-tip or sterile tweezers. If the colored-tie has come off completely or if others start to come off as well, please contact our office.
  3. Having some sensitivity and tenderness is normal after having braces put on or adjusted. It usually goes away in a few days. You may also take an OTC medication like ibuprophen to help you manage the discomfort. Call us if the pain worsens or persists for about a week.
  4. The metal brackets can rub against the cheeks and lips causing a sore spot. You can place a small piece of dental wax over the bracket to make you comfortable. You can also apply OTC topical anesthetic like Orajel or Ambesol to help heal the sore spot. If this doesn’t help or if the sores appear to be getting worse, please give our team a call.
  5. Sometimes the wire can slide out of the bracket and be poking your cheeks or gums. Place a small piece of wax to the end of the wire to alleviate discomfort. If the wire has come out of the bracket in the back, try to gently bring it close or into the bracket using sterile tweezers or a Q-tip. If you continue having discomfort even after you have tried these, please call us so we can guide you.
  6. Usually, there is no discomfort associated with a loose or broken bracket. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, you can try to gently push or slide it back into place using or you may need to slide it along the wire with some sterile tweezers if it has drifted away. If the bracket has completely come off, be sure to save it, and call us right away. We will replace it on your next scheduled appointment.

We strongly recommend that you initially try to address any small orthodontic issues on your own for the time being. However, you’re always welcome to contact us at 813-886-0545 and we will help you handle the situation at home and let you know if you should come in for an appointment. At the office, are taking special precautions to ensure everyone stays safe while getting the care you or your child needs.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook as Toro Orthodontics for additional information and updates. If you ever have any question, feel free to call us and we will be happy to put your mind at ease.

Doctor Toro and Team at Toro Orthodontics