If your braces are causing abnormal pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Broken Bracket
A broken bracket is usually painless and may wait a few days before being repaired. However, please contact us as soon as possible to avoid falling behind in your treatment.
Poking wire
Apply orthodontic wax over the poking wire and call our office. If you need to cut a poking wire at home, use a nail clipper thoroughly cleaned with soap and disinfected with alcohol. In some cases, we give patient an emergency kit containing a small wire cutter.
Orthodontic wax
Place orthodontic wax on parts that are causing soreness for temporary relief. It is normal to use the wax at the beginning of treatment to help your mouth become accustomed to the braces. Even if you do not need it as first, keep your wax handy for the unexpected sore that can appear later on in treatment.
Lost separator
If you lose a separator, you can try replacing it with two pieces of dental floss.
- Thread the two pieces of floss through the center of the separator.
- Fold the floss one on each side so you can stretch the separator.
- Slide the separator between the teeth.
- Make sure the top part of the separator is visible between the teeth (not completely under the gum).
- Separate your lengths of floss and pull on one end to remove them one at a time.
Retainers and retention wires
- Broken or lost retainers must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Contact us to be seen at the office.
- If your clear retaining tray is broken into two even pieces, continue wearing both pieces like usual until we can see you again.
- Loose or broken lingual retention wires must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Contact us to be seen at the office. If your lingual wire falls off completely, keep the wire and bring it with you for it to be reinstalled.