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What to do in case of emergency
Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
Loose brackets or bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. You may 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 case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
Wire irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
Lost separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but 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 routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Problems and Solutions
You may be able to solve many braces problems temporarily by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our office. These problems need not cause delay in your treatment.
| Problem |
Home Solution |
| Loose Band or Bracket |
If band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, wrap brace or bracket in tissue.
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| Loose Wire |
Try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it.
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| Poking Wire |
Try to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If not possible, place wax on it.
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| Lost Tiewire or Elastic Tie |
Notify us at next appointment. |
| Soreness |
Use warm salt water rinses and/or Tylenol or ibuprofen. |
| Headgear Does Not Fit |
Sometimes caused by not wearing as prescribed. If facebow is bent, call office at once. |
| Loose Appliance |
If appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it. |
If you think you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call us as soon as possible.
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