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.

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Scott.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Scott Orthodontic Associates a call to schedule a consultation.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Gregory Scott attended the University of Florida and received both a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University. He received his dental degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D. C.

Following dental school, he attended the University of Detroit where he received his certificate as a Specialist in Orthodontics and his Master of Science degree. He is involved in the treatment of cleft lip and palate and jaw joint dysfunction. He is a member of the American Cleft Palate Association, Children’s Medical Services, and is on staff at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Scott and his wife Michelle have three sons and moved to Lakeland in 1987 when he began practicing orthodontics.

To stay up to date on the latest techniques and technologies, Dr. Scott is a member of the Polk County Dental Association, the West Coast Dental Association of Florida, the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontics, and the American Board of Orthodontics.