Common Orthodontic Emergencies:
- Poking wire - cut poking end with a wire cutter or nail clippers and/or place wax over it
- Headgear not fitting - don't wear until the next appointment
- Broken/loose bracket - remove the elastic tie with a tweezers, then remove the bracket from the archwire; make an appointment to have it replaced
- Loose back band - make an appointment to have it recemented
- Colored O-ring off a bracket - make an appointment to have it replaced
- Metal tie-wire poking - push it in toward the tooth with the eraser end of a pencil and put wax over it; make an appointment to have it replaced
- Severe trauma with loose teeth - call the doctor A.S.A.P. or visit the nearest emergency treatment facility
- Broken main archwire - place wax over it and make an appointment to have it replaced. If it is poking you take a wire cutter and cut it off as close to the bracket as possible to make yourself comfortable. Then make and appointment to have it replaced.
- Sore teeth - this is normal and can last for a day or two after each visit. Take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) if you're not allergic or Tylenol of you are
- Broken retainer - If a retainer cracks, remove it from your mouth and bring all pieces to our office
Remember that loose and broken braces are most often caused by eating the wrong foods. Our original estimate of your total treatment time assumes your fullest cooperation and compliance. Loose and broken braces, poor compliance and missed appointments prolong treatment!
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