What to Do in Case of Emergency
There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be resolved at home. However, if you have a problem that you can't resolve on your own, please call us as soon as possible so that we can arrange a suitable appointment for you.
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 us immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible, although a delay of a few days is not likely to cause any significant problems with your treatment.
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 amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with clean nail clippers or scissors as an emergency measure until you can attend for an appointment. Early in treatment we use very thin and flexible wires - these can sometimes come out of the tubes on the lower back teeth. If this happens, you may be able to insert the wire back into the tube yourself - if not, and if the wire is irritating you, please phone us for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our practice 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, youmay feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take paracetomol or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces.