Minor Emergency Care:
Some minor problems can occur during orthodontic treatment ranging from sore teeth and swollen gums to bent wires and broken brackets. You can avoid most broken brackets and bent wires by following the prescribed care for braces and avoiding hard and/or sticky foods.
Even with the toughest braces and proper care, minor adjustments may need to be made. In some cases you will be able to fix the problem, but in many others, you will need to contact our office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Here are a few common problems that could occur during the course of treatment:
Other Dental Emergencies:
If some other type of dental emergency occurs such as a laceration, puncture wound, a broken or chipped tooth, a tooth knocked out or out of place, contact your family dentist and our office as soon as possible - preferably within the first 30 minutes.
|
Problem
|
Solution |
|
Loose
Bracket
Loose Band |
If
the bracket or band is attached to wire,
leave it in place. If uncomfortable, cover
with wax. If it comes out completely, bring
it with you to the next appointment.
DO NOT CONNECT THE HEADGEAR OR ELASTICS TO
A LOOSE BAND. |
|
| Problem |
Solution |
|
Lost
Tie Wire
 |
Please
call to ask if an appointment is necessary.
Notify the assistant at your next appointment. |
|
| Problem |
Solution |
| Headgear
or appliance does not fit. |
Call
for an appointment. |
|
Problem
|
Solution |
|
Soreness
from the Braces
 |
Rinse
the mouth with warm salt water. If necessary,
take plain reliever that you would use for
a headache or similar discomfort. |
Wire
out of tube |
Try
to place wire back in the tube with tweezers.
Place wax if uncomfortable. Call for an appointment. |
|
Problem
|
Solution |
|
Rotated
Archwire
 |
Try
to slide wire around the other side. If unsuccessful
place wax on wire and call for an appointment. |
Poking
Tie Wire
|
Cover
with wax or wet cotton and call for an appointment. |
|
Problem
|
Solution |
|
Poking
Arcwire
 |
Bend
wire back with a spoon or pencil eraser, If
unsuccessful cover with wax and call for an
appointment. |
|
Problem
|
Solution |
|
Accidents
involving
the teeth.
|
Call
your dentist or orthodontist immediately. |
| |
|
| Extensive
repairs may require an appointment during
morning hours. Please be careful with your
braces. |
|
