Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our office.


You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…


The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:


Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.


Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.


Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.


Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.


Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.


General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.


Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

“Am I Too Old for Braces?”

Absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In a society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:

• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

Ask Dr. Martin: “I’m 31 – am I too old for braces?”

Of course not! There is no such thing as "too old" for braces!

Dr. Jennifer Martin will tell you orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, however we know that adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.

In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent in just 14 years! While it's true that braces help make your teeth strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age when your looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when an evenly-aligned set of teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion you've been looking for, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Treatment with Pleasant Hill orthodontist Dr. Martin can be successful at any age, and we know that you adults especially appreciate the benefits of a warm and healthy smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting the perfect smile you've wanted for years, Dr. Martin would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation! Please give us a call at 925-676-8485 to set one up!

We hope you're all having a great summer!