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'll allow us to create time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us right away.
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 an emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Then call our office the next business day, so we may schedule a follow up appointment for you.
Wire Irritations
Sometimes, discomfort caused by a wire can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire won't move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or 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 can't resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Don't worry about this, 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'll likely feel some 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 jaw.