• If a wire is causing irritation, try pushing the wire away from the area being irritated using the eraser end of a pencil or the blunt side of a spoon? If the wire cannot be tucked in, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of chewing gum, and call us as soon as possible to fix the problem. Cutting the wire should only be done at the clinic by us.

• If your teeth are sore after an orthodontic appointment, take a pain-killer such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen unless you are allergic to them. Rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can also be soothing. If you teeth get sore suddenly in between appointments, give us a call because it is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.

• If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use your toothbrush without using toothpaste, to dislodge the food particles.

• If a piece of your appliance breaks, save the piece and call your orthodontist to schedule a repair visit.

• If you swallow a piece of your appliances, try to remain calm. A swallowed piece will usually go either into the stomach or the lungs. Most of the time it will go in the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty in breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physicians will counsel you on your options concerning retrieval of the stray piece.

• If a retainer cracks, bring it to the clinic for a professional repair.