Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Our goal is for you to experience timely treatment with optimal results. While there are very few true orthodontic emergencies and most problems can be remedied at home, we want you to call our office if you break or loosen any of your appliances. If you have a regular appointment scheduled in the immediate future and have a loose or broken appliance, please call us so that we may extend your appointment time to repair the appliance.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call or Text our office for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible, or you could have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in an emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized with alcohol. Please call our office the next business day so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
Wire Irritations
Discomfort caused by a wire on your braces often occurs as your teeth move and change position during orthodontic treatment. This can sometimes be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office to make an appointment.
Lost Separators
Many patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but be sure to call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and when routine adjustments are completed, you will likely feel some soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaw.