What to Do in Case of Emergency
Call our practice as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the practice – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our practice 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 case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our practice the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
Wire Irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a 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 cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our practice for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Patients may lose a separator during their treatment. Please call our practice as soon as possible if this happens, so we can get it replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces have been placed, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you are adjusting to your new braces.