Dr. Tsintolas is available should you experience discomfort, have a concern, or are involved in an accident.

Please call the office as soon as the issue arises. If the office is closed, a recording provides instructions to reach Dr. Tsintolas.

Advice and assurance over the phone may be all that is required. If an office visit is needed, prompt notice affords us the opportunity to best plan time for the doctor to address the concern. Emergency care is provided by appointment. We are here to help.

Below is a sampling of situations that may arise during orthodontic treatment. Most are minor discomforts that can be temporarily remedied at home until you are seen in the office. Click on any emergency issue for helpful guidance.

The initial movement of teeth by spacers, separators, braces, rubber bands, and appliances at the beginning of orthodontic treatment may cause tooth soreness, particularly when eating. Warm salt water rinses and, if necessary, an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin will ease the soreness. A soft food diet makes eating more comfortable. Generally, teeth acclimate within a few days and the discomfort dissipates. Subsequent adjustments to braces and appliances may again trigger tooth soreness, but generally to a lesser degree than experienced with the initial movement of teeth. If you are concerned about discomfort, please call the office so we can discuss your individual situation.

The American Association of Orthodontists' Handling Orthodontic Emergencies discusses Discomfort.