We Are Here to Help

O’Rourke can help with your dental emergency.

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you. 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.

Lost Separator

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

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 wash cloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Wire Irritations

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.

Loose Wire

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.

Headgear Doesn’t Fit

If your headgear is causing pain, it’s usually because it isn’t being worn long enough. Please adhere to your orthodontist’s instructions, and wear your headgear for the instructed amount of hours each day. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for an appointment. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

Our Testimonials

Hear from our confident and smiling patients!

Dr. O’Rourke is wonderful! He’s very good at what he does and my kids love him!
It's clean, they are super nice, the kids love going! What more could you ask for?
Love this Doctor and his staff!! Always smiling from time we walk in to the time we check out. Never a long wait and Dr. O’rourke updates you and explains every step every visit.
Did braces for 2 of my kids. Very affordable and good orthodontist! Would highly recommend!

O'Rourke has given me my smile back!

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At O’Rourke Orthodontics, you are more than just a patient! You are family! We work together to provide personalized service and an enjoyable orthodontic experience in a comfortable, stress-free environment.