EMERGENCY CARE

TREATMENT CARE INTRODUCTION

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that's sticking out. If the wire has slid to one side, you can pull it back to the other side with needle-nosed pliers, replacing it in the tube on the back tooth.



After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.

MY WIRE IS POKING

If your wire or bracket is poking, you may use wax provided in your braces start kit.

1. Dry the area with a paper towel or cotton swab.
2. Place a piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
3. Press the wax in the affected area. Be sure that it is firmly in place.

Remove the wax when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. As an alternative to using wax, you may use nail clippers to trim long wires.

MY WIRE IS BROKEN

If you have a broken wire, remove a piece by using any at-home tweezers.



If a wire sits out of place, you may use the tweezers to place the wire back into the tube or bracket.

1. Slowly pull the wire back and reinsert it into the tube.
2. Use your fingers to close the bracket door.

If you feel resistance, please leave wire alone and call our office to schedule an appointment.

ONE OF MY BRACKETS IS LOOSE

If you have a loose bracket that is attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax as needed.

1. Dry the area with a paper towel or cotton swab.
2. Place a piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
3. Press the wax in the affected area. Be sure that it is firmly in place.



If the bracket furthest to the back comes off, please bring it to your next appointment as there is no need to be seen at this time. Place wax as needed or trim with nail clippers. Please avoid connecting elastics to any of the brackets.