What to Do in Case of Emergency
Fortunately, there are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Each of our patients should have received a refrigerator magnet with instructions for solving many problems until a repair appointment can be scheduled with our office. However, please call our office number for true emergencies, such as extreme pain or a broken appliance. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
After hour emergencies are processed through our phone system and an assistant will return your call. If necessary, an assistant can schedule an after hours emergency appointment. (Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you.)
Loose Brackets or Bands
If a band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If you are uncomfortable, place wax on the area. If it comes off completely, place the band or bracket in a ziplock to keep for replacement. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment. Generally, a loose bracket or band is not considered an after hours emergency but we do want to schedule an appointment at the earliest convenience.
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
Try to push any poking wire down with a spoon or eraser. A small amount of wax on the poking wire will also help. You can also try to place the wire back in place with sterilized tweezers. If the wire is painful and must be clipped right away use sterilized clippers and clip the wire behind the last bracket that is securely fastened then place wax on the end, 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 Motrin or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. Warm salt water rinses can also help with the discomfort and warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.