Emergencies

Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please call us before coming in so that you can be seen promptly on arrival.

To help you accurately describe an emergency situation to us, know how to identify the component parts of your braces:

FOOD CAUGHT BETWEEN TEETH

Solution: Use dental floss or interproximal brush to dislodge the food

Lost Elastic Tie

Solution: Call us to find out if you can wait until your next appointment to have it replaced, or if we want to see you for a quick visit to put the elastic tie back on.

Poking Metal tie

Solution: Try to push the poky wire back into place by using the end of a pencil eraser or a cotton bud. If that is not possible, you can place wax on the area causing the irritation until we can see you.

Tooth discomfort or soreness

Solution: This is normal particularly following an orthodontic activation appointment. Usually the teeth are most sore during the first 24-72 hours. After 72 hours, the teeth usually start feeling better. Maintain a soft food diet as needed. If necessary, take the pain reliever you would use for a headache.

Lip/cheek sores or ulceration or irritation

Solution: This is normal when your lips and cheeks are not yet used to rubbing against your orthodontic braces.

To provide some relief, you can place a small pea-sized amount of wax or cotton on the area of the braces that is causing the sore or ulceration. If the sore or ulceration does not improve or gets worse, call us to have it examined.

Loose or broken braces

Solution: If the bracket is attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax as needed for comfort. If the bracket comes out completely, bring it with you to your next appointment. Avoid connecting elastics or a headgear appliance to any loose brackets. Call us to schedule an appointment to repair the bracket.

Loose Band

Solution: Stop putting elastics or a headgear appliance to any loose bands. Call us for an appointment to have the band recemented.

Long poking/protruding archwire

Solution: Try moving the wire away from the irritated area using a cotton bud or pencil eraser. If the wire does not move, cover it with a small pea-sized amount of wax or cotton to provide relief to the irritated area. You may also try cutting the wire with nail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Call the office for an appointment if you cannot resolve the problem.

Wire out of tube or slot

Solution: Try placing the wire back in the tube using tweezers. If necessary, cover the loose wire with wax and call the office for an appointment.

Accident involving teeth

Solution: Call us or your dentist immediately.

PIECE OF APPLIANCE IS SWALLOWED

Solution: Remain calm. If you are unable to see the piece and believe it may have been aspirated (particularly if there is excessive coughing or difficulty in breathing), seek medical help and notify us immediately.