There are very few true orthodontic emergencies

But we are always available to help you if you are in one. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call immediately to notify us that you need an appliance repaired.

Surprisingly, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. Please know that even if you alleviate the pain caused by your broken appliance, you still need a repair appointment.

man in pain
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call Rafati Orthodontics to see if it needs to be replaced.
Right after you get your braces, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. You can also gargle lukewarm saltwater, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm washcloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.
First, call Rafati Orthodontics to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call Rafati Orthodontics the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.
Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.
If your headgear is causing pain, it’s usually because it isn’t being worn long enough. Please follow Dr. Rafati’s instructions and wear your headgear for the instructed number of hours each day. If the facebow is bent, please call Rafati Orthodontics for an appointment. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

Simple, text-friendly communication

To facilitate communication between the patients and staff, Rafati Orthodontics’ phone number is text enabled. It can receive text messages and respond to requests and appointments.