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 Emergency information
Minor problems such as broken brackets, bent wires can occur during orthodontic treatment. Many of these emergencies can be avoided by following the food guideline information sheet. If an emergency does occur, you may need to contact our office. Below are some guidelines to follow. If part of your braces or retainer breaks, save the piece and contact the office.
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. This will generally take more time.
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. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. (Speak to our staff about purchasing a professional orthodontic cutter if you are going away for a long period of time.) 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 clean pencil eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with 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. Ask our office about a special cutting plier, which can be purchased at our office. 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, Ibuprofen 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. It is important to cover any irritating brackets with the orthodontic wax during the first week.
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