What to do in case of emergency

Call our office if any of your appliances break or come loose. Many times we will tell you it is alright to wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment, but it is helpful for us to know of problems ahead of time so we will be prepared when you do come in. Please do not come directly to the office, by calling first you allow us to create an appointment with a sufficient amount of time for your specific needs.

Loose brackets or bands

Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or band has become loose. Your appliances may need to be re-fit as soon as possible, specifically if it is a molar band. Our staff will evaluate your situation and decide the urgency with which you must be seen.

Wire irritations

Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with an eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with 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 office for an appointment

Lost Separators

Sometimes patients lose a separator during their treatment. This could mean we have succeeded in making space for your appliance. Don’t worry too much about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort with orthodontic treatment

The first few days after your are seen each month you may experience some discomfort or soreness. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers as you would for similar pain. A soothing warm salt-water rinse might help things as well.