Quick Answer: Tell your orthodontist if something hurts, your braces or appliance break, cleaning your teeth becomes difficult, or you miss part of your treatment plan. Even small problems may affect your comfort or slow your progress. Sharing concerns early helps the team give you the right advice and keep treatment moving.

1. You Have Questions

It is normal to have questions during treatment. Ask if you do not understand what an appliance does, how long to wear your aligners, which foods to avoid, or what will happen at your next visit. Writing down your questions can help you remember them, and if any instructions are confusing, the team can explain them again or show you what to do.

2. Something Hurts or Feels Different

Some soreness can happen after your braces are adjusted or when you start new aligners, but it should usually improve after a short time. Report pain that is severe, gets worse, lasts longer than expected, or feels different from normal soreness. You should also mention a loose bracket, a poking wire, a cracked aligner, swelling, a sore that is not healing, or a change in how your teeth fit together.

You do not need to decide whether the problem is serious before calling. Tell the team what happened, when it started, and whether it is causing pain so they can guide you on the next step.

3. Cleaning Your Teeth Is Hard

Braces and other appliances can make brushing and flossing harder, so do not feel embarrassed if you are having trouble. Tell your orthodontist if food gets stuck, your gums bleed, you notice ongoing bad breath, or certain areas are difficult to clean. If you wear clear aligners, also mention problems cleaning your teeth or trays.

The team may suggest a small brush for cleaning around brackets, a flossing tool, or a routine that is easier for you to follow. They may also recommend that your regular dentist check for a cavity or gum problem.

4. An Appliance Is Broken, Lost, or Not Being Used Correctly

Let the office know if a bracket, wire, aligner, appliance, or retainer is broken or lost. A damaged item may irritate your mouth or stop working as intended. Be honest if you have not worn your aligners, rubber bands, appliance, or retainer as directed, since your orthodontist needs accurate information to understand why your treatment may have slowed down or changed.

Do not use household glue or try to bend or reshape an appliance yourself. Ask the office for instructions and bring the damaged item with you if requested.

When Should You Call Before Your Next Visit?

Call the office if a problem causes severe pain, cuts the inside of your mouth, makes eating difficult, or stops an appliance from working. A serious facial injury, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a possible broken jaw may need emergency medical or dental care.

Keep Your Orthodontic Team Updated

Sharing concerns early gives your orthodontic team the information they need to guide you and reduce avoidable treatment delays. Contact the Bluffton or Beaufort office if you have a treatment concern or need to schedule an appointment.

Bluffton office: 843-815-2521
Beaufort office: 843-379-9200