Orthodontic
emergencies
Although there are very few true orthodontic emergencies, during the course of treatment you may discover that you have a loose brace or that the orthodontic wires may become long or shift and irritate your lips or cheeks.
If you have a problem that you cannot resolve on your own, please call our office. Our orthodontic team will be able to give you advice on how to solve the problem yourself or schedule you the appropriate appointment so that the problem can be fixed.
Below is a list of common problems and how they may be remedied at home.
Loose Brace
Call the office to schedule an appointment to repair the brace. If the brace is attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax as needed for comfort. Please do not wait until your next orthodontic appointment, a bracket that is left off for weeks can extend your orthodontic treatment for up to 3 months. Avoid connecting elastics or a to any loose braces.
Loose Appliance
Although it is rare, an appliance can become loose. Do not wait – Call the office to schedule an appointment. Make sure not to pull on or play with the loose appliance and just leave it in place until we are able to see you.
Broken or Poking Wire
Call the office to schedule an appointment. If a broken wire can be removed easily, remove the broken piece. Keep the piece that you have removed and
Traumatic Accidents
Use ice immediately to reduce swelling. If the teeth are displaced and don’t fit together properly, arch wires are bent, or soft tissue is stuck in the braces, schedule an appointment immediately in our office, with your general dentist, your oral surgeon or the local hospital.
Gums, Lips or Toungue Problems
Call our office for an appointment to make you more comfortable. Use wax to cover the sharp edge temporarily.
Lost Separators
If the separator falls out more than 1 day before your appointment please call us to have it replaced.
Lost Retainer
Please call the office as soon as you lose your retainer. Waiting a few days or weeks can result in relapse, the teeth will begin to shift out of the current position into a less desired position.
“ My passion for orthodontics is knowing that I have the ability to develop fantastic smiles for my patients that can help unleash their great potential. I consider myself very blessed to have been given the skills and education required to help change people’s lives."
Quick links