1. If your teeth become sore after a visit
2. If food becomes stuck between your teeth
3. If you experience gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
4. If the main wire has come out of the brace or tube
5. If you develop a sore spot
6. If you notice small spaces developing between your teeth
7. If you notice your upper front teeth sticking out
8. If your headgear strap is too loose
9. If your retainer feels tight

If you teeth become sore after a visit, we generally recommend that you take Tylenol Advil or Motrin as indicated on the directions on the bottle. This, of course, is the protocol only if there are no known allergies to these medications. Rinsing with warm water and salt can also help.
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If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss and/or a proxy brush to remove it. Refer to the "Brushing and Flossing" section of this web site.
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If you experience gum bleeding when brushing or flossing, it usually indicates that there is a local area of infection, most often gingivitis. Continue to clean the area by brushing and flossing and rinsing with Listerine or Peroxyl as indicated under the "Brushing and Flossing" section of this web site. If you notice that the area is getting bigger or becomes painful, you should inform Dr. Ritucci at your next visit.
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If the main wire has come out of the main bracket or tube on a back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers. If the wire is still sticking you and wax or cotton does not help, you can cut the wire with a small wire cutter or nail clipper. This is the last resort if it occurs after normal business hours.
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If you develop a sore spot due to your braces irritating your cheek, place a small ball of wax over the offending bracket. The wax will cushion the irritation until it heals. Warm water and salt may also make it feel better.
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If you notice small spaces developing between your teeth, don't panic! This is very common during the course of treatment especially if the midline needs to be corrected. The spaces will close eventually.
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If you notice that your upper front teeth are sticking out, don't panic. This often occurs during the initial stages of treatment when the teeth are being leveled and aligned. As your treatment progresses, the teeth will move back.
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If your headgear strap is too loose, the mouth bow will come out of the molar tube. To correct this problem, increase the tension on the strap by hooking it on the second or third hole.
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If your retainer feels tight, it indicates that a tooth or teeth have moved or are trying to move. If the retainer can still be worn without major discomfort, wear it more often. It should correct the problem. If it does not or it is too painful to wear, call the office.
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